The number of rape cases in Bangladesh more than doubled in March compared to February. Additionally, incidents of rape and murder also increased. In March, a total of 428 cases of sexual harassment, attempted rape, and other forms of violence against women were reported, significantly higher than in the previous month.
These findings are from the March Human Rights Report published by Manobadhikar Sangskriti Foundation (MSF) on March 31. MSF compiles monthly reports based on media reports and its own investigations.
Sharp Increase in Rape Cases
According to MSF, 132 cases of rape were reported in March, compared to 57 in February. Cases of gang rape increased from 17 in February to 25 in March. Additionally, attempted rape cases rose from 19 in February to 61 in March.
The report highlights the alarming rise in violence against women and children, particularly rape, despite strict laws in place. MSF attributes this surge to ineffective law enforcement, lack of accountability, delays in justice, and overall impunity, which embolden criminals. The report also criticizes the law enforcement agencies’ failure to take prompt action, further worsening the crisis. The increasing frequency of rapes has led to widespread fear and insecurity among the public.
Additionally, robbery, extortion, and other crimes have surged due to law enforcement negligence and inaction, indicating a failure of responsible governance.
Human Rights Violations and Political Violence
MSF’s report also sheds light on human rights violations in police custody, including deaths during detention and torture. Political violence has also escalated, with more cases of ruling party infighting, political murders, and suppression of opposition movements. The discriminatory actions against student protestors from the anti-discrimination movement continue, with arrests and legal actions still being recorded.
Although arbitrary arrests decreased in March, the situation remains concerning.
Rise in Political Violence
March saw a rise in political violence, particularly within political parties. Infighting among BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) workers led to multiple casualties.
According to MSF, 52 incidents of political violence resulted in 459 victims, including 12 deaths and 447 injuries. Among the deceased:
6 were BNP members
1 was a pedestrian
3 were Awami League members
1 was an elderly citizen
1 was an expatriate
Notably, three individuals who were not political activists lost their lives in BNP factional conflicts.
Among the 52 incidents:
39 were internal BNP conflicts
6 involved BNP vs. Awami League clashes
3 were BNP vs. Jamaat-e-Islami confrontations
1 was between BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance
1 was between BNP and LDP
1 was between BNP and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)
1 was an internal NCP conflict
Additionally, there were 4 attacks by criminals on political leaders, resulting in 2 deaths and 6 injuries. Two political leaders were also found dead in March—one from BNP and one from Awami League.
Mob Beatings: A Disturbing Trend
In March, at least 39 incidents of mob beatings were reported, leading to 13 deaths and 56 severe injuries. This is an increase from 8 mob beating deaths in February.
Of those killed in mob beatings:
7 were suspected robbers
2 were accused of theft
1 was accused of political violence
1 was accused of attempted rape
1 was beaten to death for excessive alcohol consumption
1 was suspected of being a mugger
Among the injured victims:
19 were accused of attempted rape
4 were accused of sexual harassment
4 were accused of mugging
14 were accused of robbery
15 were beaten over suspected theft or other criminal activities
Source: এক মাসের ব্যবধানে ধর্ষণ–গণপিটুনি বেড়েছে দ্বিগুণের বেশি: এমএসএফ