Published: 01:00 AM, 23 May 2026
Coalition for Equality Urges Justice for Ramisa, Protection for All Children
Rifat Rafique Badhan
The Coalition for Advancing Equality and Justice expresses deep grief, outrage, and concern over the rape and murder of eight-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa. This brutal incident is not only the loss of a child’s life but also a stark reminder of serious gaps in accountability and protection systems for children in Bangladesh, according to a press release received from Plan International Bangladesh on Thursday (21 May 2026).
The Coalition comprises Breaking the Silence, JAAGO Foundation, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Oxfam in Bangladesh, Plan International Bangladesh, Save the Children in Bangladesh, and WaterAid Bangladesh, working collectively to promote equality, justice, and child rights in Bangladesh.
The coalition raises concers that rising incidents of sexual violence, abuse, rape, and murder against children are deeply alarming. Ramisa’s case reflects a broader reality where children’s safety, dignity, and right to grow up free from violence are being severely undermined. Such violations cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Recent data highlights the severity of the situation. According to Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, 1,028 women and girls faced different forms of violence, including sexual violence, in just the first four months of this year, while 479 incidents specifically involved girls. Media monitoring further shows that in 2025 alone, at least 476 girls were raped, 153 were victims of attempted rape, 111 children were murdered, and 156 died by suicide. In 2024, reported rape cases involving girls stood at 292. These figures reflect only reported cases, while many incidents remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and social pressure.
The coalition extends heartfelt condolences to Ramisa’s family and calls for a swift, impartial, and child-sensitive investigation, ensuring arrest, prosecution, and punishment of those responsible through due process. It stresses that there must be no delay, interference, intimidation, or compromise in securing justice.
This incident underscores urgent gaps in fulfilling Bangladesh’s commitments under the Children Act 2013, the Nari o Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain, UNCRC, and CEDAW, which guarantee every child’s right to safety and protection from violence.
Key Demands
· Immediate, impartial, and child-sensitive investigation into Ramisa’s rape and murder, and swift justice for all perpetrators
· Establishment of an independent Child Reform Commission
· Child-friendly, survivor-centred investigation and trial processes in all cases of child abuse and sexual violence
· Strong protection, medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and rehabilitation for survivors and families
· Prevention of case suppression through intimidation, compromise, or influence
· Establishment of a dedicated Department of Child Affairs
· Strengthened child protection systems in schools, communities, online spaces, and police stations
· Nationwide awareness campaigns to break silence on child abuse
· Independent monitoring system and national database on child abuse cases
· Fast-track enactment of the proposed law on prevention of sexual harassment
The coalition reiterates that justice for Ramisa is a demand for the safety and dignity of every child in Bangladesh. Ensuring child protection is a constitutional, legal, and moral responsibility of the state.
Child abuse is a serious social problem that affects millions of children around the world. It refers to any harmful treatment of a child by parents, guardians, or other adults. Child abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful. Every form of abuse leaves deep scars on a child’s mind and body and may affect their future life.
Physical abuse includes beating, kicking, or causing physical injury to a child. Emotional abuse involves insulting, threatening, or humiliating a child regularly. Sexual abuse refers to any inappropriate sexual behavior with children. Neglect occurs when parents fail to provide proper food, education, healthcare, love, and protection. These actions can destroy a child’s confidence and mental health.
There are many causes of child abuse. Poverty, lack of education, family conflict, addiction, and social pressure often lead adults to mistreat children. Sometimes, parents who were abused in their own childhood repeat the same behavior with their children. However, no reason can justify harming a child.
The effects of child abuse are long-lasting. Abused children may suffer from depression, fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Many children lose interest in studies and social activities. Some become violent or develop criminal behavior later in life. In severe cases, abuse can even lead to death.
To stop child abuse, society must work together. Parents should learn positive parenting skills and treat children with care and respect. Schools, communities, and governments should create awareness and provide support for vulnerable families. Strict laws must be enforced to punish offenders and protect children’s rights.
Children are the future of every nation. They deserve love, safety, and proper care. By preventing child abuse, we can build a healthier and more compassionate society for future generations.
Rifat Rafique Badhan is a freelancer
and a columnist.
