The Epidemic Of Child Rape, Sexual Abuse, and the Justice System In Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh has reached a crucial point of vulnerability regarding child rape and sexual abuse of children. Child rape and sexual abuse portray an increasing constitutional, human rights, and child protection crisis in Bangladesh. It presents both moral and legal challenges, making the social structure fragile and raising serious concerns about legal accountability and social justice. The objective of the study is to address the present situation regarding child rape, physical abuse of children, causes, consequences, legal challenges, and to provide suggestions. Using an analytical approach based on secondary sources, the study explores the socio-cultural and legal dynamics that allow such crimes to persist. Increased access to the internet, misuse of the internet, abuse of authority by perpetrators often known to the victim, a culture of impunity, weak enforcement of laws, a culture of silence surrounding sexual violence, and victim blaming are the main causes of child rape. Although Bangladesh has enacted protective legislation, delays in investigation, evidentiary limitations, inadequate victim and witness protection, and institutional insensitivity often contribute to ineffective prosecution and a broader culture of exemption from penalty. In many instances, the justice process itself may generate secondary victimization through insensitive treatment and repeated interrogation of victims. The after-effects of child rape are more severe because most often the children are unable to get out of the childhood traumas and feelings of guilt. To address these issues, the article suggests strengthening legal enforcement, ensuring child-sensitive investigation and speedy trial procedures, expanding victim support services, and promoting public awareness to challenge victim-blaming attitudes.