Staff Correspondent

Ain O Shalish Kendra (ASK), Breaking the Silence (BTS), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Plan International Bangladesh, and Save the Children held a joint press conference on Sunday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity to express their grave outrage at the continuous sexual violence incidents that have plagued the nation and led to widespread protest.

They expressed a number of demands from the government, including strengthening the justice system and holding the preparators accountable and making the issues of safety and exploitation from sexual violence a priority in their agenda.

The conference brought media colleagues together to stand in solidarity for justice and due process from the government in holding perpetrators accountable. The most recent brutal rape and death of the 8-year-old in Magura reveals the vulnerability of children amongst family and space where they feel safe. It is one of many incidents that sheds light on the need to break the culture of silences, associating stigmas on victims, and the need for a safe environment where children feel secure. The recent wave of sexual violence, abuse, rape, murder, and attempted murder in the country has left the country profoundly saddened and alarmed. This crisis is not only destroying children's lives but also weakening the very foundation of our society.

The increasing violence against girls in Bangladesh has shocked the nation and sparked protests across the country. In solidarity with these protests, the conference served to uniting voices for justice and change today. Lastly, they urged the need for functional and accountable institutions, including the formation of the Department of Children Reform Commission that will effectively address the issues of children falling prey to sexual violence and the need for justice against perpetrators.

The press conference urged the government to address the issue of children, especially as they are the safest and easiest targets for the perpetrators, and to hold families, communities, and our society to ensure protection for children.

The speakers among others Tamanna Hoq Riti, Coordinator, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK); Mohammad Zahidul Islam, Director-Program and Planning, Breaking the Silence; Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Kabita Bose, Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh; Abdulla Al Mamun, Director-Child Protection and Child Rights Governance, Save the Children in Bangladesh; were present.

The written statement at the press conference was read out by Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation. Additionally, the event was moderated by Nishath Sultana, Director of Influencing, Campaign, and Communication at Plan International Bangladesh.

The demands presented to address the current crisis include :

▪ Legal Reform and Expedited Justice: A special tribunal should be established to ensure swift and effective trials for cases of child abuse and rape. Perpetrators must be brought to justice as quickly as possible to prevent them from exploiting legal loopholes. We sincerely thank the interim government for the Law Adviser’s commitment to reducing the investigation period for rape cases from 30 days to 15 days and ensuring trials are completed within 90 days. The Law Adviser’s commitment to taking action and ensuring justice for recent cases of violence and abuse must be fully implemented.

▪ Establishment of a Child Affairs Directorate: A Child Affairs Directorate, similar to the Department of Women’s Affairs, should be established to coordinate child protection and welfare across various ministries.

▪ Formation of a Child Reform Commission: An urgent Child Reform Commission should be established to develop recommendations for child safety and protection in consultation with all stakeholders. Like other reform commissions, it should submit its recommendations to the Chief Adviser.

▪ Ensuring Family Protection: A widespread public awareness campaign should be launched to break the culture of silence around sexual abuse by family members and close relatives, enabling survivors to share their experiences safely.

▪ Implementation of Child Protection Laws: Existing child protection laws must be effectively enforced, and new laws should be introduced if necessary.

▪ Safety in Educational Institutions: Mandatory training for teachers and staff should be introduced, along with the formulation of protection policies to ensure the safety of children in educational institutions.

▪ Monitoring & Evaluation: An independent monitoring system should be established to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to prevent child abuse and violence.

▪ Mental Health Support: Psychological support and rehabilitation services must be ensured for child survivors of abuse.

▪ Law Enforcement Agencies: The safety of all citizens, particularly marginalized and vulnerable communities, should be ensured by restoring public trust through transparency and accountability.

▪ Education & Awareness: National-level awareness campaigns should be implemented to challenge harmful social norms and gender-based violence.

▪ Support for Survivors: Assistance mechanisms, including counseling, legal aid, and rehabilitation services, should be strengthened and made more accessible.

▪ Community Engagement: Community leaders, teachers, and parents should be actively involved in discussions to create a safer environment for children.

▪ Effective Child Help Desks: Child help desks in all police stations must be made fully functional.

▪ Protection for Survivors & Witnesses: Legal and social protection must be ensured for child survivors of violence, their families, and witnesses.

▪ Making Hotlines More Effective: Regular accountability reports should be published on complaints received via 109 and 1098 hotlines and the follow-up actions taken.

▪ An Efficient Hotline System: The Police Headquarters has launched a 24/7 new hotline to combat violence against women—01320-002001, 01320-002002, and 01320-002222. Instead of multiple hotlines, existing numbers should be optimized to improve efficiency and reduce confusion.

▪ Submission of UNCRC Periodic State Report: Effective measures should be taken to ensure child rights protection, development, and participation through the submission of the sixth and seventh periodic state reports under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).