Lawyers, doctors, journalists, public representatives and policymakers have called for coordinated efforts to strengthen child protection and prevent abuse, amid growing concern over violence against women and children.

The call came at a roundtable discussion held in the capital on Saturday, where speakers highlighted the need for collective action by families, communities and state institutions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.

Among those attending the event were Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, reserved-seat MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Head of the Forensic Medicine Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Professor Kazi Golam Mokhlesur Rahman, and lawyer Rashna Imam. The discussion was moderated by BNP Health Affairs Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam.

Addressing the meeting, Professor Rahman said that approximately 1,100 women had come to DMCH with allegations of rape in 2025 alone.

He noted that the figure reflected a concerning level of violence against women and children and underscored the need for stronger preventive measures and support systems.

State Minister Farzana Sharmin emphasised the importance of moral education within families, saying that values and awareness should be instilled in children from an early age.

Deputy Speaker Kaisar Kamal proposed the formation of a National Child Protection Task Force involving stakeholders from across society.

Speakers observed that addressing major social problems, including drug abuse, could help reduce incidents of child abuse.

They stressed the importance of public awareness, community engagement and social movements in tackling such issues, adding that development achievements lose significance if citizens cannot be assured of their safety and security.

The father of Ramisa, a child whose case recently drew widespread public attention, called for the swift completion of legal proceedings related to her abuse and killing, as well as the imposition of the maximum penalty permitted under the law.

Participants concluded that, alongside the effective enforcement of existing laws, a safer environment for children can be achieved through the combined efforts of families, society and the state.