JNNPF Demands Swift Justice Over Rising Violence Against Children

The National Forum for Preventing Violence Against Women (JNNPF) has expressed deep concern over the brutal killing of an eight-year-old child in the capital’s Pallabi area, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and a reflection of the growing insecurity faced by children in Bangladesh.

According to reports published in various newspapers, online news portals, and social media platforms on May 20, the body of the child was recovered from an apartment in Block-B, Section-11 of Mirpur in Pallabi. The victim was a second-grade student at a local school.

Sources said the child went missing on Tuesday, May 19, when she was supposed to attend school. Later, her mother reportedly found one of the child’s shoes outside the apartment door. After receiving no response despite repeatedly knocking on a neighboring apartment door, the family informed police, who later recovered the child’s body.

In a statement, JNNPF said the incident demonstrates that children are no longer safe either inside or outside their homes. The organization also referred to another recent case in Madan Upazila of Netrokona, where an 11-year-old madrasa student allegedly became pregnant after being raped by a teacher. Doctors have reportedly described the child’s physical condition as critical, raising concerns over her survival.

The forum noted that the country has witnessed a series of incidents involving child rape, abuse, and attempted murder in recent times. It said the recurrence of such crimes reflects serious shortcomings in ensuring children’s protection and healthy development within society.

According to JNNPF, the erosion of moral and humanitarian values at family and community levels, delays in proper law enforcement, and the absence of accountability have contributed to the growing vulnerability of children.

Data provided by the organization show that over the past four months, 67 people have reportedly become victims of rape, while 31 others were subjected to gang rape, with the majority of the victims being children.

The forum demanded that all such sensitive cases be brought immediately under the jurisdiction of the Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators and deter future crimes.

JNNPF also urged state prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to take visible and proactive measures to ensure impartial, accountable, and effective investigations.

The organization further stressed that, beyond ensuring punishment, the state must also provide long-term psychological support and social rehabilitation for the affected families.

The forum said it would continue its protest, monitoring, and advocacy efforts until justice is fully ensured.