Rape cases rise nearly 40% in May as child rape-murders triple: MSF

Rape cases increased by nearly 40% in May compared to April, while the number of rape-murders tripled, with all victims being children, according to a report by rights organisation Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF).

The organisation’s monthly Gender-Based Violence Monitoring Report, released today (31 May), recorded 78 rape cases in May, up from 54 in April. Cases of rape followed by murder rose from two to six during the same period.

MSF said the figures point to a worrying rise in sexual violence against women and children and reflect weaknesses in law enforcement, prevention measures and the justice system.

According to the report, incidents of gang rape increased from 14 to 16, while attempted rape cases rose from 23 to 28. Cases of sexual harassment also increased slightly from 17 to 18.

Overall, MSF recorded 326 incidents of violence against women and children in May, up from 312 in April.

The report noted that six children were victims of rape and murder in May, making it the highest monthly figure recorded so far this year for that category.

Referring to the recent rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa in Dhaka’s Pallabi area, MSF welcomed the swift arrest of the accused and the start of legal proceedings. However, it said all cases of violence against women and children should receive equal importance regardless of public attention or social media campaigns.

While sexual violence increased, some other categories showed a decline. Physical abuse cases fell from 64 in April to 43 in May, while murder cases decreased from 89 to 79. Cases of abduction and missing persons also dropped from 14 to 12.

MSF said the contrasting trend may indicate that visible forms of violence have declined to some extent, while sexual violence and other hidden crimes continue to rise.

The organisation also expressed concern over an increase in illegal arbitration, locally known as salish. Such incidents rose from two in April to six in May.

According to the report, local arbitrators allegedly settled six criminal cases through informal salish proceedings, including cases involving rape, attempted rape and the abuse of adolescent girls.

The report also recorded a rise in suicide cases from 26 to 30 and an increase in abandoned newborns recovered from six to seven. Of the seven newborns found in May, five were dead and two were alive.

MSF said the trends reflect growing social insecurity, misuse of rural arbitration systems and continuing risks faced by women, children and adolescents.

The organisation also highlighted emerging concerns related to online gambling and drug abuse.

According to the report, one teenager died following a dispute linked to online gambling, while five people were arrested in separate anti-gambling operations during the month.

MSF further recorded 14 drug-related incidents reported in the media, including arrests of drug users and traffickers, yaba recovery operations, clashes involving police and allegations of police involvement in the drug trade.

The organisation said the changing nature of crime poses broader social risks and may indirectly contribute to gender-based violence.

MSF compiled the report using incidents published in national newspapers and online news portals between 1 and 31 May, which it said were also verified through local human rights defenders in most cases.