Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 8th July 2025, 9:35 PM
Violence against women and girls in Bangladesh continues to surge, with the number of reported rape cases in the first half of 2025 nearly matching the total from the previous year, according to new data compiled by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
At a roundtable titled “The State of Violence Against Women and Girls: Reflections from Women Journalists,” the organisation revealed that 481 rape cases were reported in the media between January and June 2025, including 345 involving children. In contrast, the entire year of 2024 saw 516 rape cases reported, 367 of which involved child victims.
The figures were compiled from coverage across 15 national newspapers and indicate that rape remains the most commonly reported form of violence against women and girls in Bangladesh.
📈 Data Paints a Disturbing Picture
In total, the media reported 1,555 cases of violence against women and girls during the first six months of this year. Among these were:
In comparison, 2024 recorded:
Reports also cited numerous cases of suspicious deaths, suicides, physical abuse, cybercrime, and dowry-related violence.
📰 Journalists and Activists Speak Out
The roundtable, held at the Anwara Begum–Munira Khan Auditorium at the Mahila Parishad’s Segunbagicha headquarters in Dhaka, featured reports presented by Munima Sultana, Senior Correspondent of The Financial Express, and Afroza Arman, Senior Training and Research Officer at the organisation.
Their joint report stressed the critical role of journalists in:
They emphasised the need for stronger, more committed reporting on gender-based violence.
🗣 “A Society Turning Misogynistic”
In her presidential address, Fawzia Moslem, President of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, warned that attempts were being made to control justice through “mob violence.” She said misogyny was deeply entrenched in society—and is now being actively encouraged.
She also criticised recent amendments to the Legal Aid Act, which now mandates pre-litigation mediation in dowry-related injury cases—something she believes creates additional barriers to justice for victims.
“We must protest violence against women from every position in society. Only with united voices can we bring about real change,” she urged.
🗞 Media Urged to Play Stronger Role
In her opening remarks, Maleka Banu, General Secretary of the organisation, said many cases of violence never make it to the media, suggesting the actual figures are much higher. She added that violence against women is evolving with new and disturbing forms.
Seema Moslem, Joint Secretary of the organisation, noted that many incidents are now being viewed through political lenses, often obscuring the real issues behind them.
The event, moderated by Mahfuza Jesmin, News Editor at the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), featured speeches by prominent women journalists including Shahnaz Munni, Nadira Kiran, Rita Bhowmik, Ummul Wara Sweety, Zahida Parveen, Shahnaz Parvin, Sebika Debnath, Drohi Tara, Rafia Khanam Chowdhury, Jannatul Ruhi, Nasreen Giti, and Selina Akter.
They raised critical issues such as:
🚨 Call for Nationwide Movement
The event concluded with a strong call for a collective social movement against gender-based violence. Speakers urged the media to take on a more active and responsible role, and for society as a whole to raise its voice against the rising tide of brutality against women and girls.
Comments