168 children killed in July-August mass uprising, accounting for 12 percent of total deaths

At least 168 children lost their lives due to violence during the July-August mass uprising in 2024, accounting for 12 percent of the total deaths. Specific data on children is not available among the 13,529 injured. These figures were revealed in a research report conducted by Ekmatra Society and LEEDO at the National Press Club. The research shows that 72% of children were victims of violence, 48% were directly injured, and 13% were shot. While 26% of children were not physically attacked, they witnessed the violence.

41% of children knew nothing beforehand about the violence, while 36% knew the purpose of the movement. 55.7% of children directly participated in the violence. Due to the curfew, 54% of children faced a crisis of food, water, and shelter, and the income of 60% of children stopped. 61% of children suffered from fear, panic, and mental trauma, and 75% still spend their days in anxiety. Following the violence, 61% of children feel relatively safe. 41% of children received assistance from NGOs and communities, and only 19% were able to stay in touch with their families. Currently, 33% make a living by begging and 23% by scavenging trash.

Dr. Niloy Ranjan Biswas, the head of the research, said, ‑The streets are the center of these children's lives. The violence that occurred there puts their very existence at risk. If the use of children for political purposes does not stop, they will repeatedly fall victim to such disasters.‑ The report called for effective initiatives by the government, institutions, and professionals for the protection and rehabilitation of children.