818 children raped in Bangladesh last year
PBC News: A total of 818 children were raped from January to December 2021, according to Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). Of them, 14 girl children died after rape. On the other hand, 626 children were raped across the country in 2020.
The MJF disclosed the alarming figure presenting it annual report at a virtual press conference held on Tuesday (February 22).
The report titled “Bangladesh Child Situation Report 2021”, has been prepared based on news reports published in eight newspapers of the country.
The report has revealed that a large number of young children are raped by their neighbours and acquaintances within the family, while adolescents are raped after falling prey to love traps. Younger children are mainly being the victims of rape.
The report also noted that children in Bangladesh are not safe even at home.
During the period under review, 183 children were killed as a result of torture, rape, attempted rape, murder and abduction. The number was 145 a year ago.
Moreover, 570 children died of drowning in the corresponding period. The number was 165 a year ago.
Thirty-eight children went missing last year, while 22 became the victims of abduction.
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said all including the government, NGOs, civil society, and the media will have to work together to stop rape and sexxual abuse of children.
The press conference was attended by Woman and Child Affairs Ministry’s additional secretary Muhibuzzaman as the chief guest.
He said data received from newspapers indicated the trend in crime in the country. The Ministry of Woman and Child Affairs collect information from 15 dailies. Many phones come to ‘109’ hotline number everyday. The ministry concerned also prepare a database on crime from there.
