Human rights organisation Odhikar has expressed concern over the recent rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Dhaka’s Pallabi, revealing that 5,942 underage girls were raped across Bangladesh between January 2016 and March 2026.

Of them, 1,018 were victims of gang-rape, 236 were murdered after the assault, and 44 died by suicide.

The organisation noted that the figures likely represent only a fraction of actual cases, as many incidents remain unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and harassment during judicial proceedings.

“Ramisa’s death is not an isolated incident. It reflects the broader failure of state institutions, law enforcement agencies and social accountability mechanisms to ensure the safety and dignity of children,” Odhikar said in a statement today.

The group highlighted serious weaknesses in the criminal justice system, pointing to the absence of child-sensitive investigation mechanisms and the ease with which alleged perpetrators secure bail and intimidate victims, perpetuating a culture of impunity.

Condemning sexual violence against children, Odhikar demanded an impartial investigation and speedy trial in Ramisa’s case, alongside exemplary punishment for the killers.

It also called for the establishment of child-sensitive investigation and support systems, protection for victims and witnesses, and the creation of both a public database documenting violence against women and children and a police database of convicted child sex offenders. The organisation further urged effective implementation of child protection laws and nationwide awareness campaigns against gender-based violence.

Odhikar stressed that urgent reforms are needed to restore trust in justice system and ensure the safety of children across the country.