Rapes in September highest ever in 9 yrs

The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMPs) yesterday said the number of rape incidents reported in the country this September was the highest in a single month since 2010.

It said 232 rape incidents, including 19 gang rape cases, took place in September. The number was 169 in August.

Among the victims, 15 were murdered after rape in September. Besides, at least 15 others became victims of attempted rape and 30 were harassed sexually, according to the BMB report.

It also said 521 women and girls had faced torture and violence last month. The number was 379 in August.

It also found more than 41 women and girls were murdered in September for various reasons, while 21 were physically assaulted and 17 were abducted.

Among 13 women tortured for dowry, five died in September, the report added.

A total of 19 women and girls were forced to commit suicide after being tortured while 29 died mysteriously.

In total, 42 child marriages took place, while 41 others were prevented in September, the report said.

Rights activists blamed a culture of impunity, bias on the part of law enforcers and the administration, social and political unrest, moral decadence and lack of awareness for the increase in violence against women.

BMB president Ayesha Khanam said even though women occupied important positions in the country, women’s rights were not established. She also said girl children were not safe even in their homes. The law and order situation has deteriorated to such an extent that women now feel insecure to travel by public transport, she added.

Rapes in September highest ever in 9 yrs

The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMPs) yesterday said the number of rape incidents reported in the country this September was the highest in a single month since 2010. It said 232 rape incidents, including 19 gang rape cases, took place in September. The number was 169 in August. Among the victims, 15 were murdered after rape in September. Besides, at least 15 others became victims of attempted rape and 30 were harassed sexually, according to the BMB report. It also said 521 women and girls had faced torture and violence last month. The number was 379 in August. It also found more than 41 women and girls were murdered in September for various reasons, while 21 were physically assaulted and 17 were abducted. Among 13 women tortured for dowry, five died in September, the report added. A total of 19 women and girls were forced to commit suicide after being tortured while 29 died mysteriously. In total, 42 child marriages took place, while 41 others were prevented in September, the report said. Rights activists blamed a culture of impunity, bias on the part of law enforcers and the administration, social and political unrest, moral decadence and lack of awareness for the increase in violence against women. BMB president Ayesha Khanam said even though women occupied important positions in the country, womens rights were not established. She also said girl children were not safe even in their homes. The law and order situation has deteriorated to such an extent that women now feel insecure to travel by public transport, she added.