Violence against women and children in Bangladesh rises in August with sharp increase in murders and gang rapes
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Violence against women and children in Bangladesh saw a marked increase in August compared to the previous month, according to a report released Monday by the Human Rights Culture Foundation (HRCF). The organization recorded 327 incidents of violence against women and children in August, up from 306 in July, representing a 6.8 percent rise.
The foundation identified a sharp surge in the severity of these crimes, particularly regarding fatalities. Cases of murder rose by approximately 75 percent, climbing from 52 in July to 91 in August. The HRCF described this trend as the most concerning development in the current human rights landscape.
Data analysis revealed that gang rape incidents increased by 72 percent, rising from seven cases to 12. Instances of rape followed by murder rose by 67 percent, from three to five, while reports of sexual abuse against minors increased from five to six. Although overall incidents of rape saw a marginal decline, the organization noted that the rising lethality of sexual violence remains a critical concern.
The report also highlighted a 39 percent increase in suicide cases during the same period. While incidents of attempted rape, physical torture, and abandoned newborns saw slight decreases, and reports of sexual harassment remained static, cases of kidnapping, disappearances, and illegal extrajudicial arbitration saw marginal increases.
Regarding public safety and illicit activities, the HRCF documented the impact of online gambling and drug-related crime. In Lalmonirhat, a teacher was killed for protesting against online gambling. Authorities have since arrested four individuals in connection with gambling-related activities across Netrokona, Jashore, Rangpur, and Dhaka.
While drug-related casualties decreased, the number of arrests and detentions surged by 129 percent, rising from 93 to 213. The HRCF raised concerns regarding the legal basis for these arrests and the potential for custodial abuse, urging authorities to ensure consistency in law enforcement.
To address the deteriorating situation, the HRCF emphasized the urgent need to establish a culture of the rule of law and strict legal enforcement. The organization called for the implementation of effective child protection mechanisms and demanded impartial and thorough investigations into all abnormal deaths. The foundation further observed that while the frequency of certain crimes may fluctuate, the lack of judicial precedents for these offenses remains a significant barrier to curbing criminal activity.
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