VIOLENCE against children remains a pervasive and deeply troubling issue in Bangladesh, affecting millions of children across urban and rural areas, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds. From domestic abuse and child marriage to trafficking, corporal punishment, and online exploitation, children in Bangladesh are subjected to various forms of violence that compromise their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Despite the existence of legal frameworks and international commitments to protect children, the reality on the ground remains grim.
听
The many faces of violence against children
Violence against children in Bangladesh manifests in multiple forms, each with devastating consequences for their development and future. One of the most widespread forms of violence is physical and psychological abuse within families. Corporal punishment is often culturally normalised as a means of disciplining children, leading to lasting emotional scars, increased aggression, and lower self-esteem. Many children grow up in environments where violence is routine, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that extends into adulthood.
In many households, parents and caregivers view physical punishment as an effective way to instill discipline, often unaware of the long-term psychological damage it causes. Studies have shown that children subjected to corporal punishment are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems. Moreover, the normalisation of such practices makes it difficult for children to seek help or report abuse, leaving them trapped in a cycle of violence.
Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, despite the enactment of the听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 persist, particularly in rural areas. Child brides often face physical abuse, sexual violence, and early pregnancies, which endanger their health and limit their opportunities for education and personal growth.
Child marriage is often driven by poverty, societal norms, and a lack of awareness about the harmful consequences. Families in impoverished communities may view marriage as a way to reduce financial burdens or protect their daughters from perceived social risks. However, the reality for child brides is often one of exploitation and suffering. Early pregnancies pose significant health risks, including complications during childbirth and higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. Additionally, child brides are more likely to drop out of school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Child trafficking remains a grave concern, with thousands of children falling victim to forced labour, sexual exploitation, and illegal adoption rings. Traffickers prey on vulnerable children from impoverished communities, luring them with false promises of better opportunities before subjecting them to inhumane conditions. Weak border security, corruption, and lack of awareness exacerbate the problem, making it difficult to combat this heinous crime.
Children from marginalised communities, including ethnic minorities and those living in slums, are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. Many are forced into hazardous working conditions, such as garment factories, brick kilns, or domestic servitude, where they face physical and emotional abuse. Others are trafficked for sexual exploitation or illegal adoption, often with the complicity of corrupt officials. The lack of effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms allows traffickers to operate with impunity, leaving countless children at risk.
Despite the ban on corporal punishment in schools, physical and verbal abuse by teachers remains prevalent. Many students drop out due to fear of mistreatment, further limiting their opportunities for a better future. The lack of accountability and inadequate training for educators contribute to the persistence of this issue.
In many schools, teachers resort to physical punishment as a means of maintaining discipline, often under the guise of 鈥渢ough love.鈥� This not only undermines the learning environment but also instills fear and resentment among students. Verbal abuse, including humiliation and derogatory remarks, further erodes students鈥� self-esteem and motivation. As a result, many children develop a negative attitude toward education, leading to high dropout rates and limited prospects for the future.
As internet penetration increases in Bangladesh, online exploitation and cyberbullying have emerged as significant threats. Children, particularly adolescents, are vulnerable to cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and exposure to harmful content. However, digital literacy and child protection measures remain inadequate, leaving children exposed to these modern forms of violence.
The rise of social media and online platforms has created new avenues for predators to exploit children. Cyberbullying, including harassment, threats, and public shaming, has become increasingly common, with devastating effects on children鈥檚 mental health. Additionally, children are at risk of being groomed or coerced into sharing explicit content, which can lead to blackmail and further exploitation. The lack of awareness about online safety and the absence of robust cybersecurity measures leave children vulnerable to these emerging threats.
听
Systemic challenges in addressing violence against children
WHILE Bangladesh has made strides in establishing legal frameworks to protect children, systemic challenges hinder effective implementation and enforcement. Bangladesh has ratified several international conventions, including the听United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)听and the听ILO Conventions on Child Labour. Domestically, laws such as the听Children Act 2013, the听Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act 2000, and the听Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act 2012听aim to prevent child abuse. However, enforcement remains weak due to corruption, lack of resources, and societal attitudes that normalise violence against children.
The gap between legislation and implementation is a significant barrier to protecting children. Law enforcement agencies often lack the training and resources to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of child abuse. Additionally, corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies undermine efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, allowing many cases to go unpunished.
Many cases of child abuse go unreported due to fear of reprisal, lack of trust in the legal system, or societal stigma. This underreporting perpetuates a culture of impunity, allowing perpetrators to escape accountability.
In many communities, victims and their families are reluctant to report abuse due to fear of social ostracism or retaliation. Additionally, the lack of awareness about legal rights and available support services further discourages reporting. As a result, many cases of abuse remain hidden, leaving victims without justice or support.
The absence of adequate rehabilitation programs for victims of violence exacerbates the issue. Many children do not receive the necessary psychological and social support to recover from their trauma, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation and long-term mental health issues.
Rehabilitation services, including counselling, medical care, and educational support, are essential for helping victims rebuild their lives. However, such services are often underfunded and inaccessible, particularly in rural areas. Without proper support, many children struggle to overcome the trauma of abuse, leading to cycles of poverty, violence, and marginalisation.
Deep-rooted cultural norms and societal attitudes often condone or trivialise violence against children. For example, corporal punishment is widely accepted as a disciplinary measure, and child marriage is often seen as a way to alleviate financial burdens on families. Changing these attitudes requires sustained efforts at the community level.
Efforts to address violence against children must go beyond legal reforms to include cultural and societal change. Community-based initiatives that engage parents, teachers, and local leaders can help shift attitudes and promote positive parenting practices. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate communities about the harmful effects of violence and the importance of protecting children鈥簊 rights.
听
A path forward
TO EFFECTIVELY tackle violence against children in Bangladesh, a holistic and multi-sectoral approach is required. The government must prioritise the enforcement of child protection laws by increasing monitoring, training law enforcement officials, and ensuring swift legal action against perpetrators. Establishing child-friendly courts and specialised units to handle cases of child abuse can help ensure justice for victims.
Schools should implement life skills education, anti-bullying programs, and mental health support services to create a violence-free learning environment. Public awareness campaigns can help change societal attitudes and educate communities about the harmful effects of violence against children.
As online exploitation becomes more prevalent, the government must introduce robust cybersecurity measures to protect children from abuse. Social media platforms should be held accountable for adhering to child protection guidelines, and digital literacy programs should be introduced to educate children and parents about online safety.
Grassroots initiatives that promote child rights and community-based child protection networks can significantly reduce the incidence of violence. Engaging local leaders, religious figures, and community members in advocacy efforts can help shift cultural norms and create a protective environment for children.
Greater collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, and international donors is essential to ensure that protective mechanisms reach the most vulnerable children. Investment in child protection services, helplines, and victim support centres is critical to creating a safer environment for children.
The time to act is now. Every child deserves the right to live free from violence and fear. Together, we can build a society where children are protected, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive. Let us rise to the challenge and ensure that no child is left behind.
听
Musharraf Tansen is a development analyst and former country representative of Malala Fund.
