Outrage Over Child Murder in Dhaka Highlights Flaws in Protection System
Human Rights Groups Demand Action Following Tragic Incident
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Dhaka, May 22: Human rights organizations have expressed their outrage over the recent rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Dhaka, emphasizing that this horrific event exposes significant flaws in Bangladesh's child protection framework, as reported by local media.
On May 19, in the Pallabi neighborhood, Ramisa Akter was tragically raped and subsequently murdered by her neighbor, Sohel Rana, according to initial police investigations.
The rights groups are urging prompt and thorough investigations into Ramisa's case and similar child abuse incidents throughout Bangladesh, calling on authorities to ensure that those responsible face severe penalties after proper identification, as highlighted by a leading local newspaper.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Coalition for Advancing Equality and Justice remarked, “The brutal murder of Ramisa serves as a stark reminder of the significant gaps in accountability and child protection systems.”
“This case from Pallabi reflects a wider issue where children's safety, dignity, and their right to grow up free from violence are severely compromised. Such violations must not be tolerated,” they added.
Several notable human rights organizations, including Breaking the Silence, JAAGO Foundation, and Save the Children in Bangladesh, are part of this coalition.
The coalition is advocating for comprehensive reforms, such as the creation of an independent Child Reform Commission, child-friendly judicial processes, enhanced support systems for survivors, and the establishment of a dedicated Department of Child Affairs in Bangladesh.
Additionally, they are calling for stronger child protection measures, the formation of an independent monitoring body with a nationwide abuse database, and the swift enactment of the proposed sexual harassment prevention legislation.
In a separate statement, the Dhaka-based rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reported that from January 1 to May 20, 2026, at least 118 children were raped, 46 faced attempted rape, and 17 were killed following rape or attempted rape across Bangladesh.
ASK expressed serious concern, stating that these incidents are not isolated but rather indicative of the failures within the state protection system and a significant crisis in social accountability.
“The Constitution guarantees children’s rights to life, security, and dignity. However, prolonged judicial processes and inadequate investigations are major barriers to achieving justice for children,” the organization noted.
Condemning the tragic event, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) stated, “The recurring incidents of child rape, murder, and abuse highlight the ineffectiveness of current child protection mechanisms.”
According to HRSS, the rising violence against children in Bangladesh is exacerbated by a culture of impunity, delays in the justice system, and ineffective law enforcement.
“Such horrific violence against children reflects a severe decline in our social and moral values,” HRSS concluded.