195 children killed in violence across Bangladesh in first half of 2026: ASK

Highlights:

• 195 children killed nationwide between January and June
• Physical torture accounted for the highest number of deaths
• 21 children killed after rape; 17 died by suicide
• ASK says only 59 cases filed over the killings

At least 195 children were killed in various forms of violence across Bangladesh during the first six months of 2026, according to data released by human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

The figures, compiled from media reports and ASK's own monitoring, show that children aged 13 to 18 accounted for the highest number of victims, with 76 deaths. Another 61 victims were aged up to six years, while 49 were between seven and 12 years old.

The ages of nine victims were not mentioned in the reports.

The organisation said physical torture emerged as the leading cause of child deaths, with 51 children dying after being subjected to abuse. "Another 40 children died following torture within the family."

The report also documented 30 cases in which the bodies of previously missing children were recovered and 21 children who were killed after being raped. Fifteen other children were found dead in incidents recorded as recovered bodies.

According to ASK, 17 children died by suicide during the period. Three children were murdered after attempted rape, while another three were killed in shootings.

The organisation also recorded two cases each of boys being killed after rape by men, domestic child workers dying after physical torture, domestic workers dying in mysterious circumstances, suicides following rape, suicides after torture by teachers, and children killed by stalkers.

Single cases were reported involving suicide linked to sexual harassment, death after abduction and mysterious child deaths.

The ASK said despite the 195 child killings, only 59 cases were filed in connection with the incidents.