The continued rise in violence against women and children in Bangladesh is a deeply alarming reflection of the challenges facing our society.
According to a recent monitoring report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 305 women and girls faced violence in May, with reported rape cases increasing to 83 from 68 in April, with a worrying rise in sexual violence and abuse cases involving children.
It is shameful that we need to be reminded of the fact that a society cannot claim progress while its women and children remain unsafe in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
While stronger laws and tougher punishments are necessary, the issue requires a broader approach that addresses prevention, awareness, accountability, and institutional capacity.
Law enforcement agencies must ensure that complaints are taken seriously, investigations are conducted without delay, and perpetrators face consequences regardless of their influence or background.
Lengthy legal processes often discourage victims and their families from seeking justice, and allow perpetrators to believe they can escape accountability. Strengthening specialized tribunals, improving victim support systems, and ensuring sensitive handling of cases must be prioritized.
At the same time, social attitudes that normalize harassment, victim-blaming, or silence around abuse must change. Families, educational institutions, religious and community leaders, and the media all have roles to play in creating awareness and encouraging reporting.
There is also a need for stronger digital safety measures and greater awareness among young people and guardians.
Protecting women and children cannot be treated as a secondary issue; it is a measure of a nation’s commitment to human dignity and social progress. Bangladesh must move beyond reacting to tragedies after they occur and build systems that prevent violence before it happens.
A safer future depends on ensuring that every woman and every child can live with security, respect, and freedom.