The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep worry about the recent increase in violent acts against children in Bangladesh. This surge includes disturbing incidents like the rape and murder of young girls and boys in places that are supposed to be safe for them. Rana Flowers, the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, emphasized the need to halt this brutality against children.
Flowers highlighted the alarming rise in reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children throughout Bangladesh in 2026. She stressed the critical necessity to enhance measures for preventing child and gender-based violence nationwide. The statement issued by Flowers called for an end to the culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators and urged for improvements in prevention, reporting, and institutional safeguarding.
UNICEF’s statement emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in child-friendly police and justice systems, community protection, and social services. Flowers stressed the need for providing psychosocial support to affected women and children. She also underscored the significance of ensuring stronger accountability in various settings like schools, madrasas, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
According to Flowers, the sharing of photos, videos, or personal details of abuse victims only adds to their trauma and disrespect. She urged communities to break their silence and report any violence, abuse, or exploitation through available protection services like Child Helpline 1098. UNICEF appealed to the public, media, and social media users to refrain from sharing such content and instead advocate for improved protection systems and an end to perpetrator impunity.
Flowers emphasized that every child has the right to protection in all settings, including communities, schools, and homes. She stressed the importance of treating children’s stories and images with respect in public spaces.
