In March 2025, at least 442 women and girls in Bangladesh were subjected to brutal acts of violence, according to a report published by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The figures highlight a worsening trend of gender-based violence in Bangladesh and point to systemic failures in protecting women and girls under the current administration.
The report, based on data collected from 15 national dailies and compiled by the Central Legal Aid Sub-Committee, reveals a disturbing scope of abuse—including rape, gang rape, murder, trafficking, and dowry-related violence. Among the victims, 248 were girls and 194 were women, signaling a nationwide crisis in child safety and women’s rights.
Key Findings on Violence Against Women and Girls in Bangladesh:
- Rape and Gang Rape: 163 victims were raped, including 125 girls. 36 of these cases involved gang rape. Two girls were murdered after being raped, and two others died by suicide following sexual assault. Attempted rape was reported in 70 cases involving 55 girls.
- Sexual Harassment and Stalking: 16 individuals, including 12 girls, experienced sexual harassment. Eight individuals, including six girls, were stalked.
- Murder and Unexplained Deaths: 54 individuals, including nine girls, were murdered. An additional 29 deaths, including nine girls, were labeled as mysterious.
- Suicides: 13 individuals, including two girls, took their own lives due to abuse, depression, or other pressures.
- Human Trafficking: 21 cases of trafficking were documented, including 10 girls.
- Dowry-Related Violence: Five women were abused over dowry disputes. Two of them were murdered.
- Other Forms of Violence:
- 17 individuals, including two girls, suffered physical abuse.
- Three victims experienced domestic violence.
- Two domestic workers were murdered.
- One paternity dispute incident was reported.
- Eight individuals, including six girls, were abducted.
- Eleven attempted abductions were reported.
- Three people were targeted in cybercrime cases.
- Three cases of attempted child marriage occurred.
- Twelve individuals, including four girls, were victims of other violent acts.
These findings underscore the growing crisis of human rights violations in Bangladesh, particularly the suppression of women’s rights, rising political repression, and systemic negligence in enforcing protection laws. With continued inaction, violence against women and children is becoming normalized in both urban and rural communities across the country.