Shattered Childhoods: The Long Shadow of Sexual Violence on Bangladeshi Children

In Bangladesh, where childhood should be a time of joy and innocence, a grim reality unfolds—children are increasingly falling victim to sexual violence. This deeply entrenched issue is not merely a statistic; it reflects a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors that have reached alarming proportions. A recent case involving the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura starkly illustrates the silent suffering endured by countless children across the nation. The incident in Magura has drawn significant attention due to its horrific nature. While visiting her sister's in-laws, the young girl was brutally assaulted by her sister's father-in-law, leaving her critically injured and unconscious. This case is emblematic of a broader pattern of child sexual violence in Bangladesh, where societal norms often prioritize family reputation over the well-being of victims. Families frequently suppress such incidents to avoid public shame, which perpetuates a culture ...