STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Various rights, political, and academic organisations, including the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Save the Children, and Hefazat-e-Islam, have strongly condemned the recent rise in rape and violence against women and children across Bangladesh.

In separate statements issued yesterday, they expressed alarm at the increasing number of such crimes and the apparent lack of accountability, which they say is worsening the situation. They called for urgent government action to ensure justice and protection for victims.

Save the Children urged authorities to expedite the trial of those responsible for the recent child rape case in Magura. The organisation highlighted that many such crimes occur within families and communities and called for a comprehensive child protection system at the grassroots level.

Shuman Sengupta, country director of Save the Children, said, “We demand justice for the child victim of this horrific crime. The government must act swiftly to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.” He also stressed the need for a shift in societal attitudes, particularly towards protecting children, especially girls.

The Manusher Jonno Foundation echoed these concerns, criticising the government’s failure to protect women and children.

MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, “Our justice system and protective measures have failed. This is utterly unacceptable.”

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