UNICEF has raised a grave alarm over a sharp surge in brutal violence against children across Bangladesh in 2026, including the rape and killing of girls and boys in spaces that should have guaranteed their safety. The United Nations agency is calling for urgent, nationwide action to strengthen child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention systems.

UNICEF's Warning

Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, said the growing number of reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children underscored the critical need for structural reform. 'Brutality against children must stop,' Flowers stated in an official release.

'The culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators must end, and the gaps in prevention, reporting, institutional safeguarding, child-friendly police and justice, community protection and social services must be addressed. There is also a need for psychosocial support for the women and children, with far stronger accountability of schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care settings,' the statement read.

Key Gaps Identified

UNICEF's statement pointed to systemic failures across multiple institutions — schools, madrasas, workplaces, and care settings — as enabling environments for abuse. The agency stressed that survivors deserve dignity and legal protection, and that the circulation of photos, videos, or identifying details of victims constitutes a further act of abuse.

'All who share and reshare are adding to the trauma of survivors, the trauma of families, and the disrespect of the victim,' Flowers said. The appeal was directed at the general public, media organisations, and social media users alike.

Call to Report Violence

UNICEF urged children, women, families, and community members to report violence, abuse, or exploitation through available protection services. The agency specifically highlighted Child Helpline 1098 as a resource providing support and referral services for children in need.

'Violence spreads when communities stay silent,' Flowers noted, calling for collective action rather than passive observation.

Rights of Victims in Public Spaces

The agency also addressed the secondary harm caused by online sharing of victim content, calling on all stakeholders to reframe their response — from passive consumption to active advocacy for stronger protection systems. 'Every child has the right to protection everywhere, in communities, schools, at home, and even in how their stories and images are treated in public spaces,' Flowers said.

The UNICEF statement comes amid growing public concern in Bangladesh over the frequency and severity of reported child violence cases, and signals mounting international pressure on authorities to act decisively against perpetrators and close institutional gaps.