India, Dec. 9 -- Experts believe that Bangladesh, the country witnessing political turmoil since the July-August 2024 uprising, still lacks an effective protective shield for children at the family and community levels.

During a roundtable, speakers believe these children have become vulnerable to abuse and violence amid weakness in the implementation of laws.

"According to MICS 2025, 86 percent of children aged 1-14 experience violent discipline, and 47.2 percent of girls are married before 18," she said.

According to reports, the country's child helpline 1098 received 425,651 calls from January to November this year.

Of these, 354,435 calls, including 145,384 from girls, were related to abuse, exploitation or psychosocial support, t...