Sunday | 16 March 2025 | Reg No- 06
Bangla
   
Bangla | Sunday | 16 March 2025 | Epaper
BREAKING: ● Prime accused confesses to rape, murder in Magura       ● Guterres expresses concern over disinformation targeting Bangladesh: Touhid       ● UN ready to support Bangladesh fostering peace, democracy: Guterres       ● Political leaders share insights after meeting with UN chief      ● UN reaffirms support for Bangladesh on Rohingya issue       ● Elections meaningless without reforms: Nahid      ● BNP advocates for election-focused reforms before polls: Mirza Fakhrul       

Child abuse must end 

Published : Sunday, 16 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 396
Musharraf Tansen
Violence against children remains a pervasive issue in Bangladesh, affecting millions across different socio-economic backgrounds. From domestic abuse and child marriage to trafficking and corporal punishment, children in Bangladesh are subjected to various forms of violence that compromise their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Despite legal frameworks and international commitments to protect children, the reality on the ground remains grim.

Violence against children in Bangladesh manifests in multiple ways, each with severe consequences. One of the most widespread forms is physical and psychological abuse within families. Many children suffer from corporal punishment at home, which is often considered a culturally acceptable means of discipline. Such treatment can lead to lasting emotional scars, increased aggression, and lower self-esteem in children.

Child marriage is another significant form of violence, with Bangladesh having one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. Despite the enactment of the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2017, which sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys, loopholes in the law and weak enforcement allow the practice to continue. Child brides often face physical abuse, sexual violence, and early pregnancies, which further endanger their health and well-being.

Child trafficking remains a serious problem, with thousands of children falling victim to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and illegal adoption rings. Traffickers often prey on vulnerable children from impoverished communities, promising them better opportunities before subjecting them to inhumane conditions. Weak border security and corruption contribute to the persistence of child trafficking.

“Violence against children in Bangladesh remains a critical issue, with widespread forms including domestic abuse, child marriage, trafficking, and online exploitation. Despite existing laws and international commitments, weak enforcement, societal norms, and lack of resources continue to perpetuate this crisis.”

Violence in educational institutions is another pressing concern. Despite the ban on corporal punishment in schools, physical and verbal abuse by teachers remains prevalent. Many students drop out due to the fear of mistreatment, further limiting their opportunities for a better future.

Online exploitation and cyberbullying are emerging threats in Bangladesh as internet penetration increases. Children, particularly adolescents, are vulnerable to cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and exposure to harmful content, yet digital literacy and child protection measures remain inadequate.

Bangladesh has ratified several international conventions to protect children, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the ILO Conventions on Child Labour. Domestically, various laws aim to prevent child abuse, such as the Children Act 2013, the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act 2000, and the Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act 2012.However, enforcement of these laws remains weak due to corruption, lack of resources, and societal attitudes that normalize violence against children. Many cases of child abuse go unreported, either due to fear of reprisal or lack of trust in the legal system. Moreover, the absence of adequate rehabilitation programs for victims of violence exacerbates the issue, as many children do not receive the necessary psychological and social support to recover from their trauma.

Violence against children in Bangladesh is a deeply rooted issue that requires urgent attention from all sectors of society. While progress has been made in legal reforms and policy frameworks, effective enforcement and cultural transformation remain critical. By strengthening legal mechanisms, improving education, raising awareness, and fostering community engagement, Bangladesh can create a future where children grow up in a safe, nurturing, and violence-free environment.

The writer is a Development Analyst and former Country Representative of Malala Fund



LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
Mental peace and expansion of thought require joyful travels
The power of youth
The art of balancing power and empathy: Essential traits for modern leaders
Major challenges for achieving 'Better safety, better RMG' goal  
Millers demand policy reforms as tariff disparities threaten textile industry
Major public health challenges in our country 
Legal loopholes covering up marital rape in Bangladesh
Uneven distribution of tax burden on low-income professionals
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: [email protected], news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close