Sex education is our best defence against child abuse

A disturbing paradox defines Bangladesh today. More and more reports of child sexual abuse are coming to light, yet those who are working to educate and inform about it are being silenced, even punished. This contradiction is not just illogical; it is a dangerous societal failure that demands urgent change. The case of Dr Tasnim Jara is a stark illustration of this backward approach. This medical professional was recently served a legal notice for allegedly spreading "obscenity" through her online health content. Her "crime" was putting her effort into openly discussing sexual health and the human body. With educators targeted, teenagers are left to learn about sexual and reproductive health from dodgy sources, including pornography, absorbing distorted ideas that degrade women and normalise violence. Without proper education about consent, boundaries, and respect, many grow up misinformed and desensitised, fuelling the rise of sexual violence, especially the peer-on-peer kind.

A devastating fact is that, over the last 10 years, as many as 318 children were killed after being raped. What's especially alarming is the increasing involvement of juveniles as perpetrators. Recently, in Natore, an eight-year-old girl was raped and murdered by a group of boys aged 14-17 years, and a 25-year-old adult. According to police reports, the child was raped, strangled, and dumped in a nearby area. Her face was burnt with chemicals, a horrifying attempt to destroy evidence. In Chapainawabganj, a 13-year-old boy was accused of sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl on Eid day. The child had gone to a neighbour's house to play, where the assault took place. Last month, in Gopalganj, an 18-year-old allegedly raped a six-year-old girl by luring her to a garden with the promise of toys. 

These cases reveal a disturbing pattern: children and teenagers are committing acts of extreme violence, often against peers or even younger victims. This is not just a criminal issue, but also a social failure rooted in our reluctance to teach the basics of consent, respect, and bodily integrity to our children. These children are growing up in a culture that denies them access to accurate sex education while bombarding them with harmful content online. Without the balance of comprehensive sex education and moral-religious guidance, we are leaving an entire generation vulnerable to misunderstanding, manipulation, and misbehaviour. 

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The absence of formal, age-appropriate sex education—along with a lack of values-based instructions—is leaving young people unprepared to understand their developing bodies, emotions, and moral responsibilities. Instead, many are turning to easily accessible pornography, peer myths, or social media where intimacy is often portrayed through a lens of violence, control, and dehumanisation. Comprehensive sex education equips young people with the knowledge to make informed choices, understand consent, and build healthy relationships. It addresses key issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, and gender respect.

Reluctance to seek medical help for sexual health problems is another major concern. The stigma surrounding sexual diseases, compounded by a lack of proper sex education, leads to many suffering in silence. People often hesitate to consult doctors, exacerbating their conditions. This is especially prevalent among individuals with STIs, who may avoid seeking treatment because they lack awareness of the importance of early intervention. Comprehensive sex education not only promotes healthier sexual practices but also encourages individuals to seek medical care without fear or shame, ensuring better outcomes for public health.

Bangladesh's Seventh Five-Year Plan (FY2016–FY2020) recognised the importance of sex education, aiming to expand access to reproductive health education and services. The plan called for curriculum reforms, adolescent-friendly health corners, and community involvement. Yet, poor implementation continues to leave a dangerous gap filled with myths and misinformation. First and foremost, comprehensive sex education has to be integrated into school curricula at every level, ensuring that young people learn about consent, bodily autonomy, healthy relationships, and reproductive health in an age-appropriate, factual, and respectful manner. This education must be complemented by values-based guidance, helping students develop a moral framework grounded in compassion, respect, and accountability.

Countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada have seen measurable success after adopting nationwide sex education policies. They report lower rates of sexual violence, teenage pregnancies, and STIs. Their approach is rooted in openness, science, and respect—principles that can and should guide Bangladesh's path forward. The government has recently taken some positive steps, such as proposing amendments to shorten investigation and trial periods for rape cases and mandating DNA evidence. A hotline has also been introduced to report violence. These are welcome initiatives, but they must be backed by comprehensive educational reforms to truly bring a change.

Government campaigns are crucial to raising awareness and breaking the stigma that surrounds sexual health. Public health initiatives should focus on educating the masses about sexual diseases, preventive measures, and the importance of consulting medical professionals when necessary. The government must make a concerted effort to create an environment where individuals feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being.

The real obscenity lies not in the responsible teaching of health and consent, but in our continued failure to address the urgent need for sex education. By avoiding these conversations, we are allowing abuse and ignorance to thrive. If we keep turning away from the truth, the cycle of violence, shame, and misinformation will only continue. Bangladesh must choose education over silence, prevention over punishment, and dignity over shame. It's time to confront these issues head-on and ensure that every child has access to the knowledge, respect, and safety they deserve.

Ruhina Tabasshum Prome is research associate at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM). She can be reached at [email protected]. 

Sabila Binta Saif Sondhi is research associate at BIGM. She can be reached at [email protected].

Views expressed in this article are the authors' own. 

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