UNICEF has expressed deep concern over the recent rise in brutal violence against children in Bangladesh, calling for immediate action to strengthen child protection systems and end the culture of impunity surrounding such crimes.
In a statement, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers said the organisation was shocked and saddened by reports of rape, murder and other forms of violence against children across the country.
She said many of the incidents occurred in places where children should have felt secure, including homes, educational institutions and local communities.
“The brutality against children must stop,” she said, warning that the growing number of incidents involving violence against women and children in 2026 highlighted serious weaknesses in protection mechanisms and prevention efforts nationwide.
Rana Flowers stressed that perpetrators must no longer enjoy impunity and called for stronger accountability in schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care institutions.
She also emphasised the need to improve child-friendly policing, justice services, reporting systems and community-based protection programmes. According to UNICEF, survivors of violence require greater psychosocial support alongside legal protection.
The organisation urged people not to remain silent about abuse and encouraged communities to report incidents of violence or exploitation through available support services, including Child Helpline 1098.
UNICEF also appealed to the public and media not to circulate photos, videos or personal information of victims, saying such actions further traumatise survivors and their families.
The agency urged journalists, social media users and community members to instead focus on demanding justice, stronger protection systems and accountability for offenders.
Rana Flowers reiterated that every child has the right to safety and dignity, both in physical spaces and in the public handling of their stories and identities.
