Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety of women and children, noting a sharp increase in grave offences such as rape and suicide in July 2026, even as the total number of recorded violent incidents saw a marginal decline.
According to the MSF monthly monitoring report released on 31 July by its Founder President, Advocate Sultana Kamal, the nature of violence in Bangladesh is transforming into more complex and alarming forms.
Surge in sexual violence and suicides
Statistical analysis reveals that while the total number of violence against women and children (VAW&C) cases dropped from 320 in June to 306 in July, specific indicators show a harrowing trend.
Rape cases surged by approximately 33 per cent, rising from 68 in June to 90 in July. Similarly, the number of suicides spiked by 65 per cent, jumping from 17 to 28 cases. MSF attributes the high suicide rate to increased social and mental pressure, social persecution, and a prevailing culture of impunity.
Other recorded crimes against women and children in July include 22 cases of sexual harassment, 34 attempted rapes, 42 incidents of physical torture, and 13 cases of abduction and disappearance.
While gang rape (7 cases) and murder (52 cases) saw a decrease compared to June, MSF warns that the rise in individual rapes indicates that crime is becoming more scattered yet widespread.
Illegal arbitration, abandoned newborns
The report highlighted the continued use of illegal arbitration (Salish) to settle criminal offences, including two cases of attempted rape and one case of sodomy. MSF noted that this practice reflects a lack of confidence in the formal justice system.
The recovery of 11 abandoned newborns – eight of whom were found dead – was described by the foundation as a “grave violation of child rights” and “extreme inhumanity.”
MSF criticised the rarity of legal action against those responsible, noting that police typically only file Unnatural Death (UD) cases for deceased infants.
Drug trade and police involvement
In the narcotics sector, law enforcement activity increased significantly, with arrests rising from 34 in June to 93 in July.
However, the report raised serious concerns regarding institutional accountability, citing four instances where police personnel were allegedly involved in the drug trade. Fourteen people were killed in drug-related violence during the month.
The MSF report also raised the alarm regarding the rapid expansion of online gambling among the youth, unemployed workers, and rural populations.
Although direct violence related to gambling decreased, 10 individuals were arrested in July. MSF described online gambling as a multi-dimensional crisis leading to economic exploitation, mental health issues, and cybercrime.
Call for accountability
Advocate Sultana Kamal emphasised that the slight numerical decrease in total violence is misleading, as the severity of crimes is intensifying. The report concluded that the current trend suggests violence is “transforming rather than decreasing,” with women and children remaining the most vulnerable.
MSF has called for a coordinated, human-rights-based approach to ensure the protection of women and children, effective judicial processes, and greater transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies to prevent a deeper social crisis.
The report was compiled based on news from various national dailies, and verified through local human rights defenders.
