A surge in sexual violence has gripped Bangladesh, raising widespread concern and deepening fears over public safety, experts said.

They said daily reports detail harrowing rape incidents, with victims spanning all ages, from toddlers to the elderly.

“This grim reality paints a picture of a society in profound crisis,” said a senior citizen wishing anonymity.

He said the sheer volume of cases, documented in recent police reports and human rights data, is alarming.

In Chittagong, a 52-year-old man was apprehended for the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl.

In Dhaka, a 13-year-old victim was admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) following a brutal assault.

The catalogue of horrors continues: a father accused of raping his own daughter, a pregnant woman gang-raped in Keraniganj, and a stepfather in Narayanganj arrested for filming and attempting to rape a teenage girl. The statistics paint a stark picture.

According to police headquarters data, the cases of violence against women and children surged by 19.5% in just one month, from December to January.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organisation, reported 250 rapes in the first six months of 2024 alone, with 14 women murdered after being raped and three taking their own lives.

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The perpetrators represent a disturbing cross-section of society, including neighbours, relatives, teachers, and even family members, highlighting a profound breakdown of trust and safety within communities.

One particularly harrowing case saw an 8-year-old girl allegedly raped by her uncle-in-law while visiting her sister, with her brother-in-law implicated as an accomplice.

The public outcry has been immense. Opposition parties, such as the BNP, have condemned the escalating violence, attributing it to a failing administration.

"Exemplary punishment must be meted out to the perpetrators," stated BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, emphasising the need for a robust and effective law enforcement system.

Student groups have also taken to the streets, organising protests and human chains to demand justice and greater protection for women.

In response, the police have launched a special hotline to address cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and rape.

Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque Sagar confirmed that the hotline, available 24/7, will ensure swift action against offenders.

The police have also reiterated their "zero tolerance" policy towards violence against women and children, pledging to pursue strict legal action.

Experts, however, argue that a multifaceted approach is required to tackle the root causes of this crisis.

Rizvi blames govt inaction for rise in rape and violence against women

Associate Professor Touhidul Haque, a social crime expert from Dhaka University, identified the societal stigma surrounding rape as a major obstacle to justice.

"People think it brings shame to the victim and their family," he explained, leading many victims to remain silent.

He also highlighted the lengthy and complex legal processes as a deterrent to reporting crimes.

Lawyer Sirajul Karim echoed this sentiment, calling for swift punishment and a collective societal boycott of perpetrators. "The lengthy process of punishment for any crime is one of the reasons for the organisation of such crimes," he said. "Besides, the current instability in law and order is also somewhat responsible."

Both experts emphasised the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws and a shift in societal attitudes.

They advocate for widespread public awareness campaigns to challenge the culture of silence and impunity that enables these crimes.

They said the situation in Bangladesh underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate crisis and the underlying social and legal factors contributing to the surge in rape cases.

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Only through a combination of swift justice, robust law enforcement, and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes can the nation hope to stem this tide of violence and restore a sense of safety for its women and children, they said.