Alarming Rise in Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Bangladesh: Report

Disturbing Findings on Child Abuse

Paris, Nov 2: A recent report reveals that 274 minor boys fell victim to sexual violence in 199 separate incidents throughout Bangladesh, with a significant number of these victims being madrasa students. This alarming data was released by a prominent international human rights organization, shedding light on the severe issue of child abuse in the nation.

The monitoring report from Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) covers incidents from January 1 to October 31, 2026, indicating that these abuses occurred in various settings, including classrooms, residential facilities, homes, and local neighborhoods. Disturbingly, many of the abusers were individuals known to the children, undermining their sense of safety.

Many cases of abuse remain unreported, suggesting that the actual number of incidents could be significantly higher. The report highlights that out of the recorded incidents, 183 involved allegations of rape affecting 257 children, while 16 cases pertained to attempted rape involving 17 children across all eight divisions of Bangladesh.

Tragically, five incidents led to the deaths of children following allegations of sexual violence. The report also noted that 136 children suffered repeated abuse in 67 incidents, which represents nearly half of the total victims documented.

Among the victims, madrasa students comprised 180 individuals in 121 incidents, making up 65.7% of all reported cases. The report identified madrasas as the site of abuse in 100 incidents involving 158 victims.

Furthermore, madrasa teachers were implicated in 93 incidents affecting 131 victims, with a total of 115 entries naming madrasa teachers as accused, accounting for 49.4% of all accused individuals.

Collectively, madrasa teachers, students, and religious leaders were identified as alleged perpetrators in 107 incidents involving 150 victims.

Shahanur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF, expressed deep concern, stating, "Every one of these children deserved to be safe. A child who finds the courage to speak about abuse must be heard and protected -- not threatened, silenced, or sent back into danger. It is deeply disturbing that some of the people accused were entrusted with children's education and care."

He emphasized that no institution's reputation should take precedence over a child's safety, urging that anyone who abuses a child or pressures families to remain silent must be held accountable. He called for a justice process that supports victims without causing them further harm.

The JMBF has called on Bangladeshi authorities to implement immediate protective measures for children and ensure thorough investigations into these abuses, holding those responsible accountable.