Dhaka: Bangladesh, this 12 months, thus far, has reported 306 circumstances of rape involving younger women, which is 72 greater than the overall variety of circumstances registered final 12 months. In line with the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), this alarming rise highlights a rising disaster.
ASK’s information reveals that March and April had been the months with the best variety of reported circumstances, with 106 and 64 incidents respectively. As well as, there have been 129 tried rapes, out of which 35 survivors had been between the ages of zero and 6. Nevertheless, solely 85 of those circumstances had been formally registered.
The distressing scenario additionally extends to boys. Within the first seven months of 2025, 30 boys had been reportedly raped. Nevertheless, authorized circumstances had been filed in simply 20 of those incidents. Forty-nine women skilled sexual harassment whereas strolling in public, and 22 circumstances concerned abuse by academics.
Ayesha Akhter, a lawyer on the Bangladesh Supreme Courtroom, pointed to the robust affect of social stigma, household strain and weak authorized enforcement. Many victims or their households hesitate to report such crimes resulting from concern or disgrace.
She additional emphasised the affect of delays in investigations and the social or political affect that accused people and their households may wield. Such elements usually hinder correct authorized motion and delay justice.
This improve in sexual violence towards youngsters has raised pressing considerations amongst activists and authorized specialists in Bangladesh. The sharp rise in numbers requires stronger safety mechanisms and reforms in how the justice system handles such delicate circumstances.
Human rights teams stress the significance of supporting survivours/victims, enhancing the pace and sensitivity of investigations and creating consciousness to interrupt the silence round these crimes. The federal government faces mounting strain to implement higher legal guidelines and be sure that perpetrators face strict penalties.
The report by the ASK highlights the challenges Bangladesh continues to face in defending its youngsters from sexual violence. Efforts by civil society and authorized advocates stay essential to addressing this deeply rooted challenge in society.