UNICEF urges urgent reforms after shocking violence in Bangladesh protests: Over 1,400 dead, many of them children

The UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, has expressed deep sadness after reading a devastating United Nations report on the tragic events that occurred during July and August last year. 

The report reveals that more than 1,400 people, including over 100 children, lost their lives between July 1 and August 15. 

UNICEF has reported many of these deaths, and is working hard to find out exactly how many children were killed or injured during this period. Rana Flowers has offered her condolences to the families of the victims.

Flowers shared her thoughts in a statement released on Wednesday, right after a United Nations fact-finding mission report was published. This report focused on human rights violations during the protests in July and August. 

Flowers praised the report for bringing attention to the issue, especially the shocking acts of violence described within it.

The report reveals disturbing acts of violence, including gender-based assaults, physical attacks, and threats of sexual violence, all aimed at stopping women from joining the protests. Sadly, children were not spared from the violence. 

Many were killed, injured, arrested without reason, held in terrible conditions, and tortured. 

One shocking case reported by UNICEF involved a 12-year-old protester in Dhanmondi, who died after being hit by 200 metal pellets, causing internal bleeding. 

Another heart-wrenching story came from Narayanganj, where a six-year-old girl, watching the clashes from her rooftop, was shot in the head and killed.

One of the most devastating days was on August 5, when a 12-year-old boy witnessed police firing at least a dozen people dead in Azampur. 

He described the police shooting as "like rain." 

These incidents have deeply shaken UNICEF, which is now calling on the Bangladesh government to ensure that no child faces such violence again.

Building on previous statements, Flowers has emphasized that it’s time for urgent action from the country‍‍`s political leaders and officials to focus on the well-being of children, young people, and families. 

She pointed out three important steps that must be taken. 

First, there must be accountability for the children who lost their lives and the families who are grieving. 

Second, justice should be pursued for those still in detention or affected by the violence, and efforts should be made to help them reintegrate into society. 

Third, there must be widespread agreement on the need to reform both the police and the judicial system in Bangladesh so that no child is detained, tortured, or harmed in such ways again. 

This will ensure that children can peacefully express their opinions without fear and that they can live in a country where their safety and justice are guaranteed.

UNICEF has called for an independent investigation into all the incidents of violence, abuse, and illegal detentions involving children. 

The organization is also calling for reforms in Bangladesh’s justice system to bring it in line with international standards for child protection. 

To prevent future tragedies, stronger protective measures should be put in place, including independent monitoring systems.

Bangladesh stands at a critical moment of change. Reform commissions are already looking for ways to improve the police, the courts, and the justice system. 

This moment provides a unique opportunity to create a safer, fairer society for future generations. 

Now is the time to act and make sure that no more children, families, or communities have to go through such pain and suffering again.