‘826 children raped, abused in 6 months’

A total of 826 children were reportedly raped and abused in the last six months (from 1 Jan to 20 July) across the country, reports UNB citing a new finding.

Child Rights Advocacy Coalition (CRAC) in Bangladesh on Thursday revealed their report at a press conference at Maulana Mohammad Akram Kha Hall of the National Press Club.

They prepared the report based on news carried by different national dailies, regional newspapers, online news portals and news agencies.

Addressing the event, Sheepa Hafiza, executive director of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), urged the government to form a children rights commission to protect children as violence against them is on the rise.

The report said 471 children, including 15 boys, were raped during the period and 390 cases were filed.

Besides, 104 children faced rape attempts, while 224 killed and 76 sexually harassed by their teachers, and 80 faced different types of abuse.

The children, aged between 7 and 18, are the main victims of rape and 90 per cent of them are girls, said Sheepa Hafiza.

Civil society and policy advocacy manger of Save the Children Rasheda Akter, policy and advocacy manager of EDUCO Farida Yeasmeen were, among others, present at the press conference.