The recent surge in rape cases has raised serious concerns about increasing sexual violence and a deteriorating law and order situation.
Experts attribute this to a rise in societal misogyny, fuelled by an escalating anti-women campaign targeting women’s clothing, behaviour, and freedom. They also blame weak law enforcement and systemic barriers in the judicial process for the alarming trend.
In just the first half of 2025, reported rape incidents have already surpassed the total for all of 2024, highlighting a disturbing surge in sexual violence.
A report by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) recorded 492 rape cases in the first seven months of 2025, surpassing the 401 cases reported for the entire year of 2024 – an alarming 110% increase. In 2023, ASK documented 574 rape cases.
Similarly, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad reported 354 rape cases in the first half of 2025, nearly matching the 364 cases recorded in 2024. These figures highlight the rising prevalence of sexual violence. In 2023 alone, a total of 639 women and girls were raped, including 431 girls.
Dr Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, noted that the rise in sexual violence aligns with a growing anti-women campaign. “This campaign has led to mob attacks, cyberbullying, and daily harassment,” she said.
“This widespread misogyny fosters a culture of impunity, where offenders often face no consequences. Lack of accountability emboldens perpetrators, and these crimes often go unresolved,” Dr Banu explained.
Most of the sexual violence victims are women and girls, with a considerable number being minors, including very young children. Many come from poor and vulnerable communities, particularly those living in slum areas.
A Dhaka Metropolitan Police study found that child sexual abuse perpetrators are usually middle-aged men known to the victims. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Mohila Parishad reports that 28% of rape suspects are aged 11-30, with the highest number between 21 and 25.
Experts argue that widespread impunity is driven by political interference, low conviction rates, and a slow, complex justice system that continues to fuel such crimes.
Survivors often face years of delays, victim-blaming, and stigma, which discourage them from seeking justice. Despite strong legal frameworks, weak enforcement leaves many women unprotected.
Tania Haque, professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Dhaka, cautioned, saying, “Progressive laws mean little if they are not enforced. The state must act decisively, ensure accountability, and make these protections a reality for women, not just promises on paper.”
Experts also note that during Bangladesh’s transitional periods, the law-and-order system weakens, contributing to a rise in rape cases. Dr Haque said, “Bangladesh’s law and order has always struggled during transitional phases, leaving women and children especially vulnerable. Proper enforcement and accountability could help reduce this problem.”
She also highlighted the role of social media in exacerbating violence, suggesting the need for filters on harmful content. “Social media spreads misogynistic narratives that contribute to societal instability,” she said.
Experts agree that addressing sexual violence requires a broad societal shift, starting with the family and extending to education systems. Dr Haque stressed the importance of instilling gender equality and respect from an early age, saying, “True change starts at home. Educating children about mutual respect can significantly reduce violence.”
The slow pace of the judicial process, which often drags on for years, along with victim-blaming and social stigma, discourages many survivors from coming forward. Highlighting the challenges victims face in seeking justice, Maleka Banu noted that many cases never reach official records, raising doubts about the true extent of the crisis.
“Not all incidents are reported. We must now ask ourselves how many incidents from last year were documented,” she said.
Dr Banu echoed this call for a cultural shift and urged the government to prioritise women’s safety. The lack of political will is also seen as a major factor in the crisis. Despite existing laws, there remains a significant gap in their enforcement.
She warned that unless the government improves law enforcement and judicial responses, the cycle of violence will continue. “We need a government that shows zero tolerance for violence against women,” she concluded.
