Child Rape in Bangladesh, 2016

Children in Bangladesh are extremely vulnerable to sexual violence, with 291 cases of child rape reported around the country in the first eight months of 2016, according to BSAF data.

According to statistics by Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF), a child rights watchdog, 39 children have been victims of gang rape, 13 killed after rape, and 9 were victims of child pornography within January-August this year. Furthermore, 28 autistic children have been raped around the country, who are more vulnerable to sexual violence.

The data also shows that 34 underage girls were married off by their parents within the first eight months, despite the practice being illegal.
Amid such circumstances, Bangladesh is observing National Child Rights Week this year from September 29 to October 5, the theme of which is “Children will always be safe in home and outside.”

When contacted, State Minister of Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki said that people who torture children were national enemies, and action against them should be taken together. Punishment for the violators would be ensured via legal steps, she added.

Source: Dhaka Tribune