The High Court on Sunday directed the government to submit a report on the steps taken to prevent sexual harassment of women and children in all governmental and non-governmental institutions of the country, including educational institutions, following an HC order in 2009. A HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice SM Maniruzzaman passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed on behalf of rights organisation Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK). Read:HC asks law enforcement agencies to stop issuing contradictory statements on Cox’s Bazar gang rape case The Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, Public Administration Secretary and Family Planning Secretary have been asked to report the steps to prevent sexual harassment taken by the government in three months. The court also issued a rule on the preliminary hearing of the writ petition. Lawyer Syeda Nasrin and Md Shahinuzzaman appeared for the petition in the court. Lawyer Syeda Nasrin said the High Court had issued a guideline in 2009 to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, including educational institutions. But it has not been implemented yet. For this reason a writ was filed on behalf of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) on October 21 last year. The secretaries of 40 ministries, including public administration, the registrar general of the Supreme Court, the Bar Council and the University Grants Commission (UGC) were made respondents in that petition. Read:HC orders appointment of 84 BCS successful candidates On August 7, 2008, Advocate Salma Ali, Executive Director of the Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers' Association (BNWLA), filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking its directions to prevent sexual harassment of women and children in the workplace and on educational institutions. On May 14, 2009, the High Court bench headed by Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain issued several directives including forming committee on prevention of sexual harassment to take complaints in all institutions--educational institutions, governmental and non-governmental institutions.

Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights body, on Thursday filed a writ petition seeking implementation of a decade old order of the High Court on prevention of sexual harassment of woman and children at workplaces and educational institutions. On behalf of ASK advocate Md Shahinuzzaman and Sayeda Nasrin submitted the writ against the Public Administration secretary and 42 others. The bench of Justice Md Mojibur Rahman Mia and Justice Md Kamrul Hossain Molla is likely to hear the petition next week, said court sources. In 2009, the HC passed a guideline with direction to form a five-membe committee at every organization for preventing sexual harassment. The direction was not implemented and even the Supreme Court Bar Association has no such committee to prevent sexual harassment, said ASK’s lawyer Md Shahinuzzaman. On August 7, 2008 advocate Salma Ali, director of Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers' Association (BNWLA) filed a writ petition before the High Court in public interest seeking directions to put a stop to sexual harassment at educational institutes and workplace. On May 14, 2009, HC passed the order to form a ‘Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee’ at all organizations including educational institutions, media organizations, national and private institutions. In compliance with the order, University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a guideline and directed all the government and private universities to implement it. “But it was not implemented and stricter direction to form such committees at the secondary to higher educational institutions is needed to prevent sexual harassment,” said advocate Shahinuzzaman. Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee According to the HC order, the committee will consist of at least five members and most of its members will be women. Two members will be appointed from outside the institution and a woman will have to be made head of the committee if possible. The order also directed all the educational institutions to hold orientation with the students in this regard at the beginning of each academic year followed by at the end of every month. It directed to publish the direction on gender equality and sexual harassment stated in the constitution as a book. The court said until these directions are not transformed into a law it will act as a law according to paragraph 111 of the constitution and guidelines will be effective at the educational institutions accordingly. Definition of sexual harassment The HC in its order said, both physical and mental torture will be included in sexual harassment. Disturbance through e-mail, SMS, telephone, pornography, obscene images, comments, complementing someone in a suggestive way will also be concluded as sexual harassments, it said. The court mentioned such acts outside the organizations will also be considered as sexual harassment. Threatening, pressurizing or making false promises to form sexual relationship with a woman, obscene image, offending acts and writings on the wall will also be counted as sexual harassment, said HC in its order.

Police on Friday arrested a man for allegedly raping a 7-year-old girl in Char Sitaijhar village of Mughalbasa union in Kurigram Sadar upazila. The arrestee was identified as Alam Mia, 40, son of late Omar Ali of the village, an employee of a tea stall. Officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station Shahriar Khan said tea stall worker Alam was accused of raping the girl when she was alone on May 3. The girl did not tell anyone about the incident for three days. Later, due to severe pain and bleeding, she told her mother about the incident. The girl was later treated by a local doctor. Also read: Out to relieve herself, woman kidnapped & gang raped in Gaibandha In this connection, the mother of the minor girl filed a case with the Kurigram Sadar Police Station on Friday morning. On Friday noon, the Police arrested the accused Alam and he was sent to jail after being presented in court. Bangladesh's rape epidemic Sexual assaults on women continue unabated in Bangladesh, despite the government introducing the death penalty for rapes last year. Earlier last month, a police headquarters report said that 26,695 rape cases were filed across the country in the past five years. Also read: Rape epidemic: 2 held over gang-rape of Pabna woman Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data shows that 1,018 children were raped last year alone, but only 683 police cases had been filed. Also, 116 survivors were six years old or below. Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the women were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives, as per the data. However, ASK's data is just the tip of the iceberg, according to aid agencies, who report that most women are too afraid to report rape. In October 2020, the country was rocked by protests after a woman was allegedly attacked and raped in Noakhali. Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019 In November last year, Bangladesh introduced capital punishment for rape, following days of protests against sexual violence against women in several cities across the country. But human rights organisations say the move will not solve the country's rape crisis, and the survivors of the heinous crime are often stigmatised in society.

Police Friday arrested two teenagers for "raping" a seven-year-old girl in Bagerhat's Chitalmari. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chitalmari Police Station Mir Shariful Haque said, "On Thursday, the duo approached the girl and lured her on the pretext of playing a game. The teenagers took the seven-year-old to a nearby sugarcane field where they 'sexually assaulted' her." Later, the victim's father rushed to the spot hearing her scream and caught the teenagers in the act. Next, he filed a case against them at night, the OC said. Also read: Rape epidemic: 2 held over gang-rape of Pabna woman The girl was taken to Bagerhat Sadar Hospital for a medical examination, he added. Bangladesh's rape epidemic Bangladesh is facing a "rape epidemic" despite recent government approval of the death penalty for the crime – not that evidence ever suggested it would have the desired effect. Earlier last month, a police headquarters report said 26,695 rape cases had been filed across the country in the last five years. Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019 Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data shows that 1,018 children were raped last year alone, but only 683 police cases were filed. Also, 116 victims were 6 years old or below. Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the victims were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives, the data showed. However, ASK's data was likely just the tip of the iceberg, according to aid agencies, who report that most women are too afraid to report rape. Also read: Housewife ‘gang-raped’ in Patuakhali In October 2020, the country was rocked by protests after a woman was attacked and raped in Noakhali. In November last year, Bangladesh introduced the death penalty for rape, following days of protests against sexual violence against women in several cities across Bangladesh. But human rights organisations say the move will not solve the country's rape crisis, as victims of sexual assault are often stigmatised in society.

A female worker of readymade garments was allegedly gang raped in Mulaid area of Sripur in Gazipur early Tuesday. Officer-in-Charge of Sripur Police Station Golam Sarowar Jahan said the house owner of the victim ousted her from the house on Monday night raising different accusations. Taking advantage of the situation, one Mizan Fakir in the name of helping her provided her a room in his house, OC said. Also read: Rape epidemic: 2 held over gang-rape of Pabna woman Later, as the night progressed Mizan went to the victim’s room and violated her along with four others, the cop said. However, the victim managed to flee from that room and filed a case over the matter in the morning, he added. Police arrested one of the accused and are trying to catch the others, OC said. Also read: Housewife ‘gang-raped’ in Patuakhali Rape culture Rape incidents continue to take place even after the government amended the law making death penalty the highest punishment for the crime. Last month, a police headquarters report said 26,695 rape cases had been filed across the country in the last five years. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data show that 1,018 children were raped last year, but only 683 police cases were filed. Also, 116 victims were 6 years old or below. Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019 Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the victims were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives, the data showed. The original number is believed to be higher as most victims don’t report incidents of sexual assault fearing for their safety and social stigmatisation. Following days of protests against sexual violence against women across Bangladesh, the government introduced death penalty for rape in October last year. In November, the Parliament passed the necessary amendment.

A madrasa teacher, who allegedly raped an 8-year-old girl last month, has been let off the hook by a Kangaroo court after paying a fine of Tk 250,000 and receiving 10 slaps with a shoe at Zajira upazila of Shariatpur. According to sources, Amir Hamza,30, headmaster of Baitul Jannat Mohila Madrasa, raped the victim on March 13.   But after the incident became public on Thursday (April 15), locals held an arbitration instead of approaching police, underpinning a rape epidemic in the country. They fined the rapist Tk 3 lakh and 10 hits on the body with shoes. Later, the fine was revised to Tk 250,000. Also read: Rape epidemic: 2 held over gang-rape of Pabna woman The government amended the law last November to incorporate death penalty as the highest punishment for rape. Razzak Majhi, a resident of the area, said a so-called jury of 20-25 members delivered the verdict "after weighing every opinion". "All stakeholders are happy with the verdict," he claimed. Mintu Mondal, an inspector of Zajira Police Station, said no one informed them about the rape incident or the arbitration. Additional Superintendent of Police (Naria Circle) SM Mizanur Rahman said the law did not allow meting out punishment for rape through arbitration.  Also read: Housewife ‘gang-raped’ in Patuakhali He said they would take action after receiving a formal complaint. Rape epidemic continues in Bangladesh Bangladesh continues to see rape incidents even after raising the highest punishment. Rights groups blamed the lack of implementation of the law and a low conviction rate for the situation. Earlier last month, a police headquarters report said 26,695 rape cases had been filed across the country in the last five years. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data shows that 1,018 children were raped last year alone, but only 683 police cases were filed. Also, 116 victims were 6 years old or below. Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the victims were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives. Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019 ASK's data was likely just the tip of the iceberg, according to aid agencies, who report that most women are too afraid to report rape. The gang rape of a woman at Sylhet MC College hostel in September last year and the attack and rape of a woman in Noakhali the next month triggered massive countrywide protests. On October 13, the President promulgated an ordinance making death penalty the highest punishment for rape. The next month, the Parliament passed the amended law. Human rights organisations say strict implementation of the law and a high conviction rate will help bring down the crime. 

Police arrested a "mentally-challenged" youth Thursday for the "rape and assault" of a 100-year-old woman in Jashore Sadar upazila's Chanchra union. Rubayet Hossain, 20, sexually assaulted the women on Wednesday and was caught by the centenarian's family members. The victim's daughter-in-law said, "My mother-in-law was found bleeding severely in the afternoon. Rubayet was in the room at that time and his actions indicated that he violated her." My mother-in-law was rushed to Jashore Medical Hospital where she underwent surgery, she said. Dr Arif Ahmed, residential medical officer of the hospital, said: "Evidence has been collected to find out if the elderly woman was sexually assaulted. The details can be confirmed when we get the medical report." Also read: Housewife ‘gang-raped’ in Patuakhali Kotwali Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Sheikh Tasmim Alam said, "Chanchra police has detained Rubayet. However, he is mentally-challenged, it has been learned." "His legs were chained on Wednesday. However, the young man managed to unchain himself and went to the victim's house." Bangladesh's rape epidemic Bangladesh is facing a 'rape epidemic' despite recent the government's approval of the death penalty for the crime – not that evidence ever suggested it would have the desired effect. Earlier last month, a police headquarters report said 26,695 rape cases had been filed across the country in the last five years. But human rights organisations say the actual numbers are much higher as many cases are not even reported. And not all make news – only the most brutal or deeply disturbing ones get reported in the media. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data shows that 1,018 children were raped last year alone, but only 683 police cases were filed. Also, 116 victims were 6 years old or below. Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019 Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the victims were killed by the attackers while 14 took their own lives, the data showed. However, ASK's data was likely just the tip of the iceberg, according to aid agencies, who report that most women are too afraid to report rape. Rapes and sexual violence have been in the spotlight in Bangladesh since October 2020 when the country was rocked by protests after a woman was attacked and raped in Noakhali. In November last year, Bangladesh introduced the death penalty for rape, following days of protests against sexual violence against women in several cities across Bangladesh. But human rights organisations say the move will not solve the country's rape crisis, as victims of sexual assault are often stigmatised in society.

Police have arrested three persons, including a mother-daughter duo, for allegedly plotting a gang rape at Madhukhali Upazila of Faridpur. The arrestees are Rozina, her mother Parul Aktar and one Zakirul Haque. On Tuesday night, the victim’s father filed a case against the trio and accused several other anonymous people of human trafficking and rape. The victim recently came to her father’s home at Madhukhali from her husband’s village. On Sunday, her friend Rozina came to visit her. After an argument with the victim, Rozina with her mother and some men abducted her from her father’s house that afternoon. Also read: Rape epidemic: 2 held over gang-rape of Pabna woman The victim said they took her to different places, drugged her and had her raped several times. They dropped her in front of her father’s home on Tuesday morning after her condition deteriorated. Her father said the victim’s condition has improved. She is currently being treated at the One-Stop Crisis Centre of Faridpur Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital. Madhukhali Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Rathindra Nath Tarafdar said Zakirul was arrested in a drive on Tuesday night after the arrest of Rozina and Parul. The women are residents of Modhukhali Asrayan centre. Zakirul, hailing from Gopalganj, was a contractual worker at the Madhukhali Sugar Mill, said police. Also read: Housewife ‘gang-raped’ in Patuakhali OC Rathindra Nath said the court had sent the three accused to jail. The other accused will be arrested after getting the victim’s statement. Rape becoming a regular crime Rape incidents continue to take place even after the government amended the law making death penalty the highest punishment for the crime. Last month, a police headquarters report said 26,695 rape cases had been filed across the country in the last five years. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data show that 1,018 children were raped last year, but only 683 police cases were filed. Also, 116 victims were 6 years old or below. Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the victims were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives, the data showed. Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019 The original number is believed to be higher as most victims don’t report incidents of sexual assault fearing for their safety and social stigmatisation. Following days of protests against sexual violence against women across Bangladesh, the government introduced death penalty for rape in October last year. In November, the Parliament passed the necessary amendment.

Police arrested two youths Sunday for "gang-raping" a homemaker in Pabna's Chatmohar upazila. The arrestees were identified as Atikur Rahman, 26, and Abdul Halim, 30. Sajib Shahrin, assistant superintendent of Chatmohar circle police, said: "The accused grabbed the homemaker, forced her into the nearby garden and raped her as she went outside at 8pm. They fled the scene as the woman's husband rushed to spot hearing her scream." As the victim's husband filed a case over in the incident in the morning, police carried out a raid to nab Atikur and Abdul, Sajib said. Also read: Housewife ‘gang-raped’ in Patuakhali The victim was sent to the hospital for a medical test, he added. Bangladesh's rape epidemic Bangladesh is facing a 'rape epidemic' despite recent government approval of the death penalty for the crime - not that evidence ever suggested it would have the desired effect. Earlier last month, a police headquarters report said 26,695 rape cases had been filed across the country in the last five years. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) data shows that 1,018 children were raped last year alone, but only 683 police cases were filed. Also, 116 victims were 6 years old or below. Also read: Bangladesh introduces death penalty for rape Overall, 1,627 rape cases were reported last year and 53 of the victims were killed by the perpetrators while 14 took their own lives, the data showed. However, ASK's data was likely just the tip of the iceberg, according to aid agencies, who report that most women are too afraid to report rape. In October 2020, the country was rocked by protests after a woman was attacked and raped in Noakhali. Also read: Police HQ: 26,695 rape cases filed in 5 yrs, with notable jump since 2019 In November last year, Bangladesh introduced the death penalty for rape, following days of protests against sexual violence against women in several cities across Bangladesh. But human rights organisations say the move will not solve the country's rape crisis, as victims of sex assault are often stigmatised in society.

Police on Sunday arrested four people over the alleged gang-rape of a garment worker in Gazirhat area of Ashulia in Savar.