Incidents of physical abuse of students by teachers in educational institutions across Bangladesh have once again reached an alarming level. Despite the existence of laws, policies, and clear court directives, corporal punishment continues in practice. An analysis of data from recent years shows that this is not an isolated problem but a reflection of a long-standing structural failure.
According to statistics from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 21 cases of abuse by teachers against students aged between 0 and 18 were reported in 2021. The figure rose to 49 in 2022 before slightly declining to 47 in 2023 and further to 30 in 2024.
However, 2025 has seen a sharp and troubling increase. Between January and December, 59 incidents were reported—the highest number recorded in the past five years.
Experts say the fluctuations in reported cases point to weaknesses in the reporting system, social pressure on families, and administrative inaction.
“Even when the numbers appear lower, abuse does not actually decrease,” said Dr Shamim Ahmed, Professor at the Institute of Education and Research at the University of Dhaka. “Many incidents never come to light. Only when a video goes viral or a child is seriously injured does the issue become public.”
Reports from various districts in 2025 paint a disturbing picture inside educational institutions. In districts including Gazipur, Chittagong, Narsingdi, and Brahmanbaria, teachers have been accused of beating students with sticks, canes, and other objects. In some cases, students were hospitalized, while in others they were sent home in an apparent attempt to conceal their injuries.
In one private school in Gazipur, a video showing a seventh-grade student being beaten repeatedly with a cane in front of classmates for failing to memorise lessons circulated widely on social media, triggering nationwide outrage.
In Patiya, Chittagong, a 10-year-old madrasa student was beaten with a stick, leaving the child with a swollen hand. In Narsingdi, guardians alleged that school authorities attempted to cover up an incident in which a third-grade student was beaten in the name of discipline at a private school.
A senior official of Ain o Salish Kendra, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the reported figures represent only a fraction of the actual incidents. “Because of social stigma, pressure from schools, and fear of legal complications, many families do not file complaints at all,” the official said.
Beyond physical injuries, such incidents have lasting psychological consequences. A victimised student from Gazipur said: “Now I feel scared whenever someone speaks loudly. When I go to school, I feel like I will be beaten again.”
Child psychiatrist Dr Farhana Yasmin said corporal punishment causes deep trauma. “It destroys self-esteem, reduces interest in learning, and often creates a lasting fear of school. In many cases, this damage stays with children for life,” she said.
Parents, too, have expressed a sense of helplessness. “We respect teachers,” said a guardian from Chittagong. “But if that respect is used as an opportunity to hurt our children, then it is nothing but a crime.”
Many accused teachers have claimed during investigations that physical punishment was administered for the student’s benefit. Education experts, however, say this reflects an outdated and harmful mindset.
“Beating can never be a method of education,” said Dr Shamim Ahmed. “This stems from inadequate teacher training and weak monitoring systems.”
Corporal punishment in educational institutions is legally prohibited in Bangladesh. The National Education Policy 2010 bans all forms of corporal punishment, while in 2011 the High Court declared it illegal and a violation of human rights. Section 70 of the Children Act 2013 also criminalises physical and mental abuse of children.
Despite these legal safeguards, child rights activists say enforcement remains weak. “The lack of swift investigations, exemplary punishment, and effective school-based complaint mechanisms is a major problem,” said Shaila Nahida, an activist with Aparajeyo Bangladesh.
Experts warn that unless laws are enforced in practice—alongside stronger teacher training, strict monitoring, transparent investigations, and greater social awareness—the situation will continue to worsen. And behind every increase in statistics, they say, lies a child’s fear, trauma, and long-lasting scars.
