Our Angels vs Our Demons: Report Shows an Alarming Rise in Sexual Violence Cases in Bangladesh
The month of January 2025 has been marked by a disturbing surge in sexual violence cases across Bangladesh, exposing the country’s deep-rooted issues of gender-based violence (GBV), legal system failures, and lack of protection for women and children. A recent report by Green The Environment (GTE) sheds light on the severity of the crisis, revealing harrowing accounts of rape and assault, with victims ranging from toddlers to adult women.
Disturbing Trends in Sexual Violence
According to the GTE report, at least 19 reported cases of sexual violence occurred in January alone, spanning different districts of the country. Shockingly, 63% of the victims were children, mostly aged between 3 to 12 years. In several cases, the perpetrators were people in positions of trust, such as teachers, imams, and even law enforcement officers.
In a particularly appalling case, a six-year-old girl in Satkhira was raped by a mosque imam, who lured her with biscuits. Another incident involved a 7-year-old girl in Kushtia, further highlighting the vulnerability of young children.
Social media has also become a tool for exploitation. The report notes that 16% of the cases involved online grooming via Facebook, where perpetrators manipulated victims into dangerous situations. Additionally, public assaults were alarmingly frequent, with attacks happening in bus and railway stations—a stark reminder that sexual violence is not confined to private spaces.
Failures of the Justice System
One of the most alarming revelations in the report is the systemic failure of the justice system. In one case, a police officer allegedly released a rapist in exchange for a bribe, demonstrating the widespread corruption that enables perpetrators to escape justice. The report further states that 100% of the cases faced delays in investigation or trial, making it even harder for survivors to get justice.
Legal experts argue that while Bangladesh has strong laws against sexual violence, such as the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act, 2000, the lack of proper enforcement and victim protection measures continues to allow criminals to act with impunity.
The Impact on Survivors and Society
The impact of sexual violence goes beyond physical harm. Survivors suffer severe psychological trauma, including depression, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies. Many also face social stigma, making it difficult for them to seek justice or reintegrate into society.
The economic cost of sexual violence is also significant. Many survivors, especially garment workers and informal sector employees, lose their jobs due to the trauma and fear of retaliation from their perpetrators. This contributes to economic insecurity and gender inequality, further deepening the cycle of violence.
What Needs to Be Done?
Experts at GTE have put forward key recommendations to address the crisis:
- Strengthen Law Enforcement: End police corruption and ensure swift, fair investigations.
- Speed Up Legal Processes: Expedite sexual violence trials to deliver justice promptly.
- Victim Support Services: Establish more shelters, legal aid, and psychological counseling centers for survivors.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities about sexual violence, consent, and safe online behavior to prevent exploitation.
- Stronger Child Protection Policies: Implement stricter safety measures in schools, religious institutions, and online platforms to prevent abuse.
The alarming rise in sexual violence cases in Bangladesh underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms and collective action. Without strict law enforcement, social awareness, and victim-centered policies, the cycle of violence will continue. The time for action is now.
Download ‘Alarming Rise in Sexual Violence Cases in January 2025’
Source: Green The Environment
Picture Credit: Mamun Srizon/Unspalsh
