Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh, reporting a significant rise in gender-based violence (GBV) during May 2026.
According to its monthly monitoring report, the total number of incidents involving violence against women and children rose to 326 in May from 312 in April.
The report, released by Advocate Sultana Kamal, founder president of MSF, highlights an alarming 40 per cent increase in rape cases, which jumped from 54 in April to 78 in May.
Of particular concern is the threefold increase in rape followed by murder, with six such incidents recorded in May compared to two in April; the report notes that all victims in these cases were children.
Violence statistics and trends
The data shows a consistent rise in several categories of sexual violence. In May, there were 16 gang-rape incidents, 28 attempted rapes, and 18 cases of sexual harassment.
While physical torture decreased significantly from 64 to 43 cases and murders dropped from 89 to 79, MSF observed that the nature of violence has become more “brutal and cruel”.
Other recorded incidents in May include 30 suicides, 12 abductions or missing persons, and 3 acid attacks. The report also noted the rescue of seven abandoned newborns (five dead and two alive), calling the failure to identify those responsible a “disturbing example of impunity.”
Illegal arbitration and “Salish” system
MSF highlighted a growing risk in the rural justice system, with illegal salish (arbitration) cases rising from two to six. These illegal settlements involved serious criminal offences, including the rape of two teenage girls, three attempted rapes, and the brutal torture of another teenager.
MSF criticised the fact that those conducting these arbitrations often evade legal punishment or are only charged as accomplices rather than for the act of illegal arbitration itself.
Emerging risks: Online gambling and drugs
The report identified online gambling and drug addiction as emerging multidimensional threats to human rights.
In one tragic incident on 4 May 2026, a 16-year-old boy named Rakib Hossain died in Barura, Comilla, following an assault by friends over a gambling dispute. In Narayanganj, RAB arrested five individuals involved in an online gambling ring.
Regarding drug addiction, the report cited 14 media-recorded incidents, including four deaths and 19 injuries.
Notably, MSF recorded three instances of police involvement in the drug business and two clashes between police and drug traders.
Drug-related violence also led to the murder of a child following a failed rape attempt and the murder of a mother by her son.
State accountability
MSF acknowledged the government’s swift action in the murder case of a child named Ramisa, where the accused was quickly arrested following social media outcry.
However, the organisation warned that the state has a responsibility to ensure neutral and rapid justice for every victim, not just those whose cases gain traction on social media.
“The culture of impunity and weak social resistance are contributing to the rise of these crimes,” the report concluded, calling for coordinated efforts from law enforcement, civil society, and families to address the escalating crisis.
The report was compiled based on information from major national dailies and verified by local human rights defenders.
