Torture of a 12-year-old

Yet another minor -- a 12-year-old boy working as a bus helper -- has been subjected to torture at the hands of some transport workers, allegedly, for damaging CD wires of a bus at Puthia upazila of Rajshahi. Over the past few years, we have seen such beastly torture of minors, particularly at their workplaces, repeating a number of times. In some cases, the torture was so severe, that they had even led to the unfortunate and untimely deaths of these young children.

At an age when these children should be going to school and exploring the wonders of life, because of the financial struggles their families face, they have to work hazardous jobs just to help put food on the table. Amidst the already existing deplorable working conditions that exist, the threat of being tortured now has also become very real.

But what is it that is driving people to seek such animalistic pleasures? How are these people not ashamed at all to not only commit such perverted acts of violence against children, but to then take pictures of them doing so? Given that we are seeing the same story unfold time and again, perhaps, it is time for society to take a moment to seriously reflect upon these questions.

The authorities in the meantime must take action against the perpetrators. Even if the victim's family is reluctant to file a case fearing the associated expenses, the authorities must take suo moto cognizance of the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.