Officials violating the order will face legal action, said a media release the women and children affairs ministry issued on Wednesday.

The ministry sat with officials from eight other related ministries amidst reports of increasing number of torture and murder of children.

The release said the officials were ordered to register cases instead of harassing the victims or their families.

Deputy commissioners and Upazila executive officers were asked to discuss, in monthly meetings on security, steps to prevent suppression of women and children.

Imams were also asked to discuss issues to raise awareness about family bonds and social values.

The women and children affairs secretary will have to form a committee to monitor incidents of children torture regularly, the news release said.

It said educational institutions were asked to arrange training to prevent suppression of women and children.

The media have been urged to play a more effective role in raising awareness in this regard.

The inter-ministerial meeting also decided to ensure exemplary punishment for child killers.

Children and Women Affairs Secretary Nasima Begum chaired the meeting.