Muntaha, a beautiful young girl, had been missing since 3 November 2024. News of her disappearance circulated on Facebook for several days, and everyone prayed she would return to her family soon. Tragically, that day never came. Instead, Muntaha was found dead - murdered by people she knew, with a rope around her neck, her body discarded in a pond near her home. Police recovered her remains in the early hours of 10 November 2024.
Allegations have been raised against a teacher and her family in connection with the crime. Upon hearing the news, many were shocked and questioned how anyone could kill such an innocent child. But this is not an isolated incident. Children are frequent victims of abuse, both physical and psychological, inside and outside their homes. Some suffer sexual assault, and the numbers are rising. Muntaha is one of many children subjected to violence. From January to September 2024, 454 children were killed in Bangladesh.
In October, an appalling case highlighted this epidemic of violence against children. A 9-year-old girl from a low-income family in Banani was sexually assaulted, leaving her with severe injuries. Elsewhere, 13-year-old Kalpana, a domestic worker, was rescued from the Bashundhara residential area, having endured brutal torture at the hands of her employer. She suffered broken front teeth, extensive bruising, and other injuries.
The alarming reality is that victims range from infants to elderly women, aged up to 65. According to police headquarters, from January to September 2024, a total of 12,769 cases were filed under the Women and Children Torture Act, 2000. About half of these cases relate to rape or attempted rape. Why is violence, particularly child rape and harassment, increasing at such an alarming rate? No clear answer exists. It seems that the state, society, law enforcement, and human rights organisations are failing to prioritise the prevention of child murder, abuse, and sexual violence. Strict laws are in place, yet the crimes persist, suggesting the need for stronger enforcement and support for victims.
Factors such as the absence of witnesses, victims' families being poor, social stigma, fear, the perpetrator's political or religious identity, and the lengthy trial process often hinder justice. In many cases, perpetrators escape unpunished, with crimes left unresolved. This situation demands urgent attention to ensure justice for the victims and, ultimately, to protect the country's children.
Ashikujaman Syed
Business Development Manager
Fuyi (Xiamen) Material Technology Co. Ltd.
Xiamen, China
[email protected]
