Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has reported that 486 women and girls were killed in the country in the past 11 months, highlighting an alarming rise in violence against women.
The organization shared this information during a press conference held at the National Press Club on Tuesday.
The event marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25–December 10) and Human Rights Day.
The theme for this year was: “Ensuring equality in family law, preventing violence against women.”
The press conference was chaired by the organization’s President Dr Rekha Saha with a written statement presented by the Legal Aid Secretary Fauzia Moslem.
According to data from 16 national dailies compiled by the Central Legal Aid Sub-Council of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad 2,362 women were subjected to violence between January and November 2024. Among them, 1,036 were minors. A total of 486 women and girls were killed during this period.
The report highlighted that violence against women is on the rise, affecting not only individuals but also families, society, and future generations.
Referring to UN Women data from 2023, Dr Rekha Saha noted that every 10 minutes, a woman or girl was killed by a family member or intimate partner worldwide.
Such incidents obstruct progress in women’s rights and amplify the stark reality of gender-based discrimination.
Fauzia Moslem emphasized that domestic violence remains a primary form of abuse.
She attributed this to the disenfranchisement of women in personal life caused by unequal family laws.
She said: "Violence against women is a violation of human rights and an extreme manifestation of gender discrimination, recognized globally today. Despite numerous laws, policies, and programs at both governmental and private levels, the situation remains unchanged."
The organization proposed 25 recommendations to curb violence against women, including ensuring equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, eliminating harmful cultural practices against women, and guaranteeing justice for rape survivors.
The press conference concluded with a call for stronger measures to address these issues, urging for social, legal, and policy-level reforms.
General Secretary Maleka Banu and other senior members of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad were also present at the event.
