This year, at least 255 women in Rajshahi have been subjected to abuse due to dowry demands, with 157 enduring physical violence and 53 being driven out of their husbands’ homes.
These occurred between January and December, as highlighted in a report presented by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) under its Agni Project, formally released during an event on Monday in a Rajshahi restaurant.
The report says 299 women faced domestic violence during the same period, including 157 at the hands of their husbands and 84 by in-laws.
Additionally, 28 women were raped, five of them gang-raped.
Seven women committed suicide following rape, while another seven were murdered post-assault, according to the report.
The report also noted 54 cases of sexual harassment, with 32 women being physically assaulted for protesting such incidents.
Domestic disputes led to the murder of 14 women by their husbands, while four others were killed by in-laws, the ASK report says.
Meanwhile, one woman became the victim of an acid attack after rejecting a "romantic proposal."
The data on child abuse was equally alarming, with 22 children killed in Rajshahi over the past year.
Moreover, 149 children suffered physical abuse.
This information was compiled from media reports and field data gathered by 180 volunteers under the Agni Project.
Hasibul Hasan Pallab, district manager of the Agni Project, presented the findings, stating that the project provides free legal assistance to abuse victims.
Over the past year, 66 cases related to domestic violence, dowry and child protection were filed under the project, of which 21 have been resolved.
Among these, 18 rulings favoured the victims, while the remaining cases are ongoing.
The Agni Project is being implemented by Ain o Salish Kendra with financial support from the European Union, in collaboration with Brac as an associate organization.
The project is set to conclude in February.
