Incidents of violence against women and children are increasing at an alarming rate in Bangladesh. Alongside theft, robbery, and murder, rape, gang rape, child rape, sexual abuse, and murder following sexual assault have emerged as some of the most disturbing social problems in the country. Recent statistics from human rights organizations and law enforcement agencies indicate that incidents of violence against women and children have risen significantly since February this year. Experts attribute the worsening situation to a culture of impunity, administrative weaknesses, social degradation, and the political or social influence enjoyed by many offenders.
According to data compiled by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, an organization that monitors violence against women and children, 181 women and children were victims of abuse in November last year. The number dropped to 159 in December but rose again to 183 in both January and February 2026. The situation then deteriorated rapidly. In March, the number of victims increased to 190, and in April it reached 220, the highest figure recorded in the last six months. Although complete statistics for May are not yet available, observers fear that the number may surpass that of April.
A similarly alarming picture emerges from crime statistics released by Bangladesh Police. In November last year, there were 1,744 reported incidents of violence against women and children nationwide. The number fell to 1,248 in December and 1,281 in January. Although it reached a low of 1,181 incidents in February, the trend reversed sharply afterward, rising to 1,485 in March and peaking at 2,011 incidents in April. This represents an increase of nearly 70 percent compared to February.
Among the country's regions, the Dhaka Range has been identified as the most vulnerable area for violence against women and children. Industrial zones and adjacent areas under this jurisdiction have experienced a comparatively higher number of incidents. Police data show that in April alone, 375 incidents were reported in the Dhaka Range, followed by 285 in the Chattogram Range and 252 in the Rajshahi Range. Crime rates in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area also showed a significant upward trend during the same period.
Sexual violence, in particular, has become a major cause of concern. According to Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, the average monthly number of rape cases, including gang rape and rape followed by murder, ranged between 30 and 45 from November through January. However, the figure rose to 57 in March and 58 in April. In April alone, 17 women and girls became victims of gang rape, more than double the number recorded in February. Reports of attempted rape also increased significantly, rising from three cases in February to twelve in April.
The number of murders involving women and children is equally troubling. Statistics from Bangladesh Mahila Parishad show that 57 women and girls were killed in April, including 16 children. The figure was 55 in January. Although the numbers were somewhat lower in February and March, the overall trend remains deeply concerning. Human trafficking also continues to be a serious issue. In February, a total of 40 people, including 20 girls, were reportedly trafficked.
Statistics from the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveal a similar pattern. Between January and April, 199 incidents of violence against children were recorded, including 94 cases of rape. Among the victims, 16 children were under the age of six, while 40 were between seven and twelve years old. During the same period, 115 children were murdered. Physical abuse led to the deaths of 34 children, while 25 died as a result of violence within their families. Furthermore, 11 children were killed after being raped, and two victims died by suicide due to social stigma and psychological trauma.
Experts believe that impunity remains the primary reason behind the growing number of crimes against women and children. According to Seema Dutta, President of Narimukti Kendra, the failure to punish one crime creates opportunities for many more. When offenders realize they can evade justice through influence or loopholes in the legal system, they become emboldened to commit further crimes. She also identified drug abuse, gambling, unemployment, and social decay as major contributing factors.
Fawzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, argues that increasing criminality is closely linked to the growing influence and power of offenders in society. The decline of cultural activities, deterioration in education, misogynistic attitudes, and social instability are contributing to increasingly violent behavior. As a result, criminals no longer fear punishment, leading to repeated offenses.
Experts emphasize that preventing violence against women and children requires not only stricter law enforcement but also swift and impartial justice. Regardless of their social or political status, offenders must be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment. At the same time, greater public awareness, stronger cultural engagement, improved moral education in schools, and collective efforts by families and communities are essential to addressing the problem. Without such measures, the current trend of violence is likely to worsen further, posing a serious threat to public safety and the fundamental values of humanity.