We are deeply concerned about a media report that children are increasingly falling victim to rape, murder and various other forms of violence across the country. Acts of violence against children have become a common phenomenon in the country. It sounds paradoxical when we talk about advancement of the country by making the children as worthy citizens, as this horrible picture of child rights stands in the way of the country’s overall development.
A nation is bound to plunge into darkness and it can never see the light of prosperity if children remain unsafe and unprotected. Development of a country is simply impossible without ensuring rights for the children.
According to a study, children are facing serious safety threats in the country as incidents of rape, murder and various forms of abuse continue to rise. The study findings were unveiled in a research report titled ‘State of Child Rights 2025’. The report says, of the 1,867 negative news items related to children, 1,170 reports involved cases of child rape and murder.
Sachetan Sangstha with support from the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and the Street Children Activists Network (SCAN) Bangladesh conducted the study based on the reports published in media.
It is a shame for the nation that we cannot protect the children— the future leaders of the country— from violence. We cannot think of proper development of the country unless we create a safe abode for the children.
Presenting the key findings, SCAN General Secretary Moniruzzaman Mukul stressed the need for firm political commitment to ensuring rights of children. All political parties contesting the upcoming national election must include clear and specific pledges to ensure child rights in their poll manifestos, he added.
He also called for strict enforcement of law and political consensus to keep children away from political violence, along with speedy trial and exemplary punishment for those involved in child rape and murder.
Lack of coordination among government and non-government initiatives are blamed for the rise in violence against children, Bangladesh Shishu Academy Director General Arju Ara Begum said and also sought greater media cooperation in ensuring child protection.
Although the government and non-government organisations (NGOs) are working with some positive steps to ensure rights of children, violence against children, particularly sexual abuse still remains alarming.
Effective enforcement of laws, increased awareness at family and community levels and creation of a child-friendly education system can play a vital role in ensuring protection of children of the country.
We hope the government and the agencies concerned will take all necessary measures to protect children from any form of violence by creating a safe and healthy environment for them.
