Bangladesh is experiencing a concerning surge in dangers to children originating from familiar sources like neighbors, relatives, teachers, and close acquaintances. Recent incidents, such as the rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Dhaka’s Pallabi area and a brutal assault on an 11-year-old in Netrokona district, have brought attention to this issue. These incidents are part of a larger trend of violence against women and children, as reported by Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, ‘The Daily Star.’
A report by child rights organization Shishurai Shob, analyzing news reports from 2025, challenges the notion of “stranger danger.” The findings reveal that 90% of offenders are individuals known to the victims within their immediate circles. Notably, neighbors accounted for 40.58% of recorded rape cases, followed by acquaintances, teachers, and close relatives.
The data underscores that violence against children is concentrated within intimate spaces, with a significant percentage of child murders and sexual abuse cases occurring in the home or family environment. Laila Khondkar, convener of Shishurai Shob, emphasized the urgent need for research to comprehend the psychology of predators and the societal factors driving these crimes.
According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a Dhaka-based organization, their report covering January to April revealed that a high proportion of rape victims and children killed were in the 0-12 age group. Perpetrators, as highlighted by Sumaiya Iqbal, often resort to killing victims to eliminate evidence, reflecting broader social issues and weak deterrence contributing to the persistence of violence against children.
