Bangladesh saw 1,093 rapes in 10 months this year

Some 1,093 children and women have been raped from January to October this year in the country, according to the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP).

Of the total number of victims, 205 women were gang-raped.

The women’s organization revealed the figures on violence against women and children at a press conference on Wednesday in the capital.

The BMP compiled the statistics based on reports published in 14 national dailies of the country.

In addition to the rape incidents, around 170 instances of attempted rape were also reported. Moreover, 28 women died due complications caused by the rapes, said the BMP.

Furthermore, a total of 2,711 cases of violence against women and children, including rape, were reported from January to October.

Advocate Maksuda Akter Laily, BMP legal secretary, after unveiling the findings, said the actual number of rapes was much higher than what was reported in the newspapers.

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Dr Fauzia Moslem, acting president of BMP, said women had always been considered the weakest part of society. “Lack of self-control and poor attitude of men towards women make the latter more susceptible to violence.”

“Only 2% of women in Bangladesh ask for legal aid as the path to getting legal support is full of obstacles,’’ she added.

As part of its observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the BMP outlined a 29-point recommendation, mostly about reforming laws and changing people’s attitudes in order to make society a safe place for women.

The organisation said the government should undertake programs to instill values among citizens for eliminating victim blaming and violence against women.

The BMP further suggested that speedy trials should be ensured in rape cases and marital rape should be incorporated as part of legislation.

Moreover, the Evidence Act should be rectified in such a way that no one could cast aspersions on the character of the victim.    

A 16-day campaign on the theme “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” was launched on Wednesday. The campaign will continue till International Human Rights Day on December 10.