DHAKA: Bangladesh has seen a significant increase in violence against children in the first four months of 2026, with rights groups reporting widespread rape and killings.

According to data from Ain o Salish Kendra, at least 118 girls were raped between January 1 and May 20. During the same period, 46 attempted rape cases were also recorded.

The report says 17 girls were killed in rape-related incidents, including cases where victims were murdered after assault or after resisting rape attempts, while some also died by suicide following abuse.

Separate figures show that 115 children were killed in various incidents from January to April, with many victims reportedly from poor and marginalized families.

Rights groups say most victims knew the perpetrators, often neighbours or relatives, and that fear and local influence in some areas prevent families from reporting cases, with some disputes being settled informally.