Child rights groups express concern over 7-yr-old's murder in Sitakunda
Child rights groups yesterday voiced deep concern, anger and strong protest over the murder of a seven-year-old girl in Chattogram's Sitakunda following attempted rape.
They said the tragic incident once again exposed serious weaknesses in the child protection system and highlighted growing threats to children’s safety, as well as their mental and physical well-being and normal development.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. “Such brutality against children is not merely a crime; it is a grave warning for our society regarding fundamental human rights and children’s rights,” said a joint statement issued by the Child Rights Advocacy Coalition in Bangladesh, Joining Forces Bangladesh, and the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum (NGCAF).
The organisations demanded a swift, independent and impartial investigation into the incident and called on the authorities to ensure the maximum punishment for those responsible under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
They stressed that exemplary punishment in cases of such heinous crimes is essential to deter similar atrocities in the future.
The groups also urged the government, society and relevant institutions to jointly strengthen the child protection system, take effective preventive measures and adopt urgent initiatives to ensure children’s safety.
Additionally, they called for special initiatives to raise widespread awareness about child rights and child protection through families, educational institutions, communities and the media.
The rights bodies expressed hope that the authorities concerned would take prompt and effective action and maintain a firm stance in safeguarding children’s safety and rights.
Earlier on Sunday, the victim, Jannatun Nayema Ira, was found with her throat slit at Sitakunda Eco Park. She died at a Chattogram hospital on Tuesday.
Police on Tuesday arrested Babu Sheikh, 50, a neighbour, in connection with the killing.
According to police, the child was also subjected to an attempted rape.
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