A recent surge in rape and murder incidents across Bangladesh has raised alarm amid the political transition with a newly elected government. In Hatiya, Noakhali alone, government records show that over a hundred people sought medical treatment following the elections. Women and children, often the most vulnerable in society, remain easy targets of abuse and exploitation.
Today (1 March), the Rape Law Reform Alliance issued a strong appeal following the brutal rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, urging thorough investigations into all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, swift prosecution of perpetrators, and full protection for victims, their families, and witnesses.
Human rights activists and security experts stress that the government’s duty goes beyond asserting authority; it must uphold the rule of law, ensure professional law enforcement, and strengthen the independence and efficiency of the judiciary.
The Business Standard has identified at least five brutal rape cases across the country in the past week, with three victims killed after assault.
On 28 February in Ishwardi, Pabna, police recovered the bodies of a 65-year-old grandmother and her 15-year-old granddaughter. Preliminary investigations suggest the grandmother was killed while trying to protect her granddaughter, who was later strangled after being raped.
The same day, police recovered a severed leg from Kamalapur Railway Station, hours after finding two hands in Gulistan and another leg in Kakrail, Dhaka.
In Madhabdi, Narshingdi, a 15-year-old girl was abducted on 25 February in front of her father, and her body was found the next day in a mustard field between Bilpar and Dorikandi villages. Her family claims that six young men kidnapped and murdered her after she demanded justice for a prior incident of rape.
On 24 February, a former Jahangirnagar University student allegedly lured a female student to his residence, taped her mouth shut, poured hot water on her hand, causing burns, and raped her. After locking her inside and leaving the house, she managed to call 999, prompting Ashulia Thana police to rescue her.
She received initial treatment at the university medical centre, was referred to Savar Upazila Health Complex, and was examined at Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. Despite her condition worsening, she was sent home after authorities at Dhaka’s One-Stop Crisis Centre failed to admit her due to indecision.
On 22 February, a 25-year-old Hindu woman with intellectual disabilities was abducted and raped around 9pm while returning home from a kirtan at an ashram in Aralia village. Her family said she was taken to the banks of the Meghna River, where she was assaulted throughout the night. Police have arrested at least two suspects in connection with the case.
The Rape Law Reform Alliance urged the government to take swift action to enforce the constitution, uphold laws, prevent violence against women and girls, and ensure justice for victims.
Human rights activist Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir told TBS that the recent killings and violence are deeply troubling, driven by long-standing institutional weaknesses, political polarisation, inconsistent law enforcement, slow justice, and the spread of hatred on social media.
He added that the government must focus on enforcing the rule of law, professionalising law enforcement, and strengthening judicial independence, while political parties avoid violent rhetoric and the state prioritises citizen security through a human rights–compliant, accountable system.
The women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organised a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Saturday, demanding action against rising violence, murders, and sexual assaults targeting women. Women’s Affairs Secretary Nurunnisa Siddika criticised the government’s silence.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday warned that the country’s top criminals and extortionists will soon face the full force of the law.
Police officials also said preventive measures are being taken.
Assistant Inspector General AHM Shahadat Hossain said suspects in recent cases were arrested promptly, regardless of political affiliation.
Another senior police officer told The Business Standard that the recent incidents do not indicate a surge in murders or rapes, but cautioned that political transitions can have ripple effects in rural areas, and the government must send a clear message to grassroots communities.
About The Author
