The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern over the recent surge in brutal violence against children in Bangladesh, urging authorities and communities to take immediate and coordinated action to strengthen child protection mechanisms across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers said the organisation was “deeply shocked and saddened” by recent incidents involving the rape and killing of children, including boys and girls who were attacked in places where they were expected to be safe.
“Brutality against children must stop,” she said, warning that the growing number of reported cases of sexual and physical violence against women and children in 2026 reflects serious gaps in protection, prevention and accountability systems nationwide.
UNICEF called for urgent reforms in child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) response systems, including stronger institutional safeguards, child-friendly policing and justice services, improved community protection networks and expanded social support services.
Rana Flowers also stressed the importance of psychosocial care for survivors and their families, while demanding stronger accountability from schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care institutions.
“The culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators must end,” she said, adding that violence continues to spread when communities remain silent.
UNICEF urged the public to report incidents of violence, abuse and exploitation through available support mechanisms, including Child Helpline 1098, which provides emergency support and referral services for children in distress.
The organisation also appealed to media outlets, social media users and the public to refrain from sharing photos, videos or identifying information of victims, warning that such actions intensify trauma for survivors and their families.
“Every child has the right to protection everywhere — in communities, schools, homes and even in how their stories and images are treated in public spaces,” Rana Flowers added.
