Bangladesh struggles with an alarming rise in sexual violence

Bangladesh is facing a surge in sexual violence, sparking widespread concern and deepening fears over public safety, according to experts. Daily reports reveal harrowing incidents of rape, with victims ranging from toddlers to the elderly, painting a grim picture of a society in profound crisis. A senior citizen, speaking anonymously, noted that the alarming volume of cases documented in recent police reports and human rights data reflects a dire situation. In Chittagong, a 52-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl, while in Dhaka, a 13-year-old victim of a brutal assault was admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Other horrific cases include a father accused of raping his daughter, a pregnant woman gang-raped in Keraniganj, and a stepfather in Narayanganj arrested for filming and attempting to rape a teenage girl. Statistics reveal a stark reality: police data shows a 19.5% increase in violence against women and children from December to January alone. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organization, reported 250 rapes in the first six months of 2024, with 14 women murdered after being raped and three taking their own lives. Perpetrators include neighbors, relatives, teachers, and even family members, underscoring a severe breakdown of trust and safety within communities. One particularly disturbing case involved an 8-year-old girl allegedly raped by her uncle-in-law, with her brother-in-law acting as an accomplice.

The public outcry has been significant, with opposition parties like the BNP condemning the escalating violence and blaming it on a failing administration. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called for exemplary punishment for perpetrators and emphasized the need for a strong law enforcement system. Student groups have also protested, demanding justice and greater protection for women. In response, police have launched a 24/7 hotline to address domestic violence, sexual harassment, and rape cases, with Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque Sagar confirming swift action against offenders. Police have reiterated their "zero tolerance" policy toward violence against women and children, pledging strict legal measures. However, experts argue that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the root causes of the crisis. Dhaka University’s Associate Professor Touhidul Haque, a social crime expert, pointed to societal stigma surrounding rape as a major barrier to justice, as victims and their families often fear shame. He also cited lengthy legal processes as a deterrent to reporting crimes. Lawyer Sirajul Karim echoed these concerns, calling for swift punishment and a societal boycott of perpetrators, while also highlighting the instability in law and order as a contributing factor. Both experts stressed the importance of stronger law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and a shift in societal attitudes to combat the culture of silence and impunity enabling these crimes. They emphasized that Bangladesh urgently needs a comprehensive strategy addressing both the immediate crisis and the underlying social and legal issues driving the surge in sexual violence. Only through swift justice, robust law enforcement, and a fundamental change in societal attitudes can the nation hope to curb this wave of violence and restore safety for its women and children.