Bangladesh, Oct. 4 -- Children in Bangladesh continue to face serious risks of sexual abuse, with official data showing a sharp rise in reported rape cases involving children and persistent weaknesses in protection, investigation and justice mechanisms.

Police Headquarters recorded 1,485 child rape cases in the first seven months of 2026, around 49 per cent higher than the 998 cases reported during the same period last year and nearly double the 751 cases recorded in the first seven months of 2024.

The figures reflect reported cases only, while police say many incidents involving children remain unreported because perpetrators are often acquaintances, relatives, neighbours or people trusted by the family.

A H M Shahadat Hossain, Assist...