Child rape across the country rose alarmingly by 41 per cent in the first six months of the current calendar year, compared to that of the corresponding period in 2018, according to a report by a children rights body.
Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) reported that the number of rape incidents is 496 between January and June, which was 351 during the timeline last year.
The incidents of such appalling crime are higher than any period in the past, the report revealed.
BSAF prepared the report compiling incidents of child rights violation by monitoring 15 national newspapers.
Apart from this, a total of 205 children were killed, 93 children committed suicide and 286 died from road accidents during the same period, the report said.
Some 194 children lost their lives by drowning in the water, it said, adding that in this period, 120 children have become the victim of kidnapping. Of them 61 children were rescued later.
BSAF also disclosed that some 241 children were raped in April and May.
Among 496 rape incidents, 53 were gang raped, 27 were disable children and 23 children were murdered after being raped, it added.
BSAF Director Abdus Shahid Mahmood told the FE that culture of impunity, pressure from powerful people, lack of witness, weak charge sheet, delay in the trial proceedings and insecurity were responsible for the rise of such crimes.
The report indicates serious moral debauchment which should be addressed properly, said Mr Mahmood, adding that concerted efforts need to be invested to end the social menace.
