Unicef calls for urgent action to stop brutality against children in Bangladesh

Unicef has expressed deep shock and concern over recent incidents of violence against children in Bangladesh, including cases involving the rape and killing of girls and boys, and called for urgent measures to strengthen child protection systems across the country.

In a statement published yesterday (22 May), Unicef Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers said the organisation is "deeply shocked and saddened" by the recent violence against children reported across the country.

Unicef conveys sincere condolences to all the affected families, the statement said.

The organisation noted that the rise in reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children across Bangladesh in 2026 underscores the urgent need for immediate action to strengthen child and gender-based violence protection systems and prevention measures nationwide.

It said the culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators must end and stressed the need to address gaps in prevention, reporting, institutional safeguarding, child-friendly police and justice systems, community protection and social services.

Unicef also highlighted the need for psychosocial support for women and children and called for stronger accountability of schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care settings.

"Violence spreads when communities stay silent," the statement said, urging children, women, families and community members to report violence, abuse or exploitation through available protection services, including child helpline 1098.

The UN agency also criticised the sharing of photos, videos and identifying details of victims, saying such actions further traumatise survivors and their families.

Children and women who suffer at the hands of an abuser deserve their dignity to be respected, the statement said.

Unicef appealed to the public, media outlets and social media users to respect the rights of victims and their families and refrain from sharing such content.

Instead, please raise your voice calling for the protections and the systems and for an end to impunity of perpetrators, the statement added.

The statement stressed that every child has the right to protection "everywhere, in communities, schools, at home, and even in how their stories and images are treated in public spaces."