139 children killed, 27 died by suicide during Jan-Mar 2024: ASK

At least 139 children were killed in the first three months of this year, according to a report published on Monday (1 April) by Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) on human rights violations in Bangladesh.

Besides, 27 more children died by suicide during the period. 

The report is based on news published by 10 national dailies and online portals from January to March. 

As per the report, 14 boys were raped during the period, of whom, one was later killed. Bodies of 32 children were recovered from across the country. In total, 325 children fell victim to human rights violations, including abuse.

According to the ASK report, the human rights violations include incidents such as deaths in the custody of law enforcement agencies, killings at the border, harassment of journalists and obstruction of freedom of expression.

35 inmates died in prisons

At least 35 inmates- 21 under trial and 14 convicted - died in different prisons across the country. The Dhaka Division recorded the highest 18 deaths - 11 under trial and 7 convicted- in prisons. According to a previous ASK report published in December 2023, a total of 93 inmates died in jail custody between January and November of last year. The number was 65 in 2022.

23 victims of political violence

At least 23 people died as a result of political violence in the first 3 months, during which the 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections and city corporation elections took place. About 268 political violence incidents occurred in the meantime where at least 2,368 people were injured.

81 journalists tortured, harassed

At least 81 journalists fell victim to torture, harassment, threats, lawsuits, and faced obstructions while carrying out professional duties, according to ASK.

6 killed in borders

Six Bangladeshi citizens were killed in firing and torture by the Indian Border Security Force on the Bangladesh-India border. Four others were injured.

Besides, on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, one Rohingya was killed and one Bangladeshi was injured after being hit by a mortar shell fired from the neighbouring country. 

114 women raped, 3 killed later, one died by suicide

At least 114 women were raped in the first three months of 2024. Of them, 3 were later killed by the criminals and one died by suicide.

4 killed for protesting sexual harassment, one died by suicide

About 79 people - 55 women and 24 men- fell victim to various sexual harassment attacks. Of the victims, one later died by suicide. Four men were murdered for protesting against sexual harassment incidents during the period. 

65 women murdered in domestic violence, 49 died by suicide

At least 137 women fell victim to domestic violence in the 3 months. Of them, 65 were murdered and 49 later died by suicide.  

5 killed over dowry

In the meantime, five women were killed over dowry. Two others died by suicide. The report stated that a total of 23 women were physically abused during the period. Of them, 16 came under attack due to dowry.  

5 maids died from abuse

At least five maids died between January to March 2024. A total of seven maids fell victim to several types of abuse during the period.