As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, new data reveal a grim reality for Bangladesh, 663 women raped in the first nine months of this year alone.
The figure, reported by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), underscores what rights activists describe as a deepening crisis driven by a culture of impunity, deteriorating law and order, and the state’s failure to uphold commitments made under international women’s rights conventions, including the landmark Beijing Declaration.
Human rights activist Sultana Kamal told the Dhaka Tribune that the reported number represents only a fraction of the violence taking place across the country.
“We learn about rape and torture when they reach the media, usually after a murder or a particularly brutal incident,” she said.
“There are countless forms of violence that never come to light. What we are seeing is already a horrific picture.”
Sultana Kamal said the frequency of rape and sexual violence reflects a stark neglect of women’s rights and dignity.
“In an independent country where we take pride in our culture and history, more than six hundred women were raped in just nine months. This shows extreme disregard for women — by families, by society, and by the state,” she said.
According to her, impunity has emboldened perpetrators.
“There used to be a belief among criminals that committing these crimes would lead to punishment. That belief has disappeared. When women are tortured without consequence, violence continues,” she said.
“It is an assault on the dignity of women and the sanctity of their bodies.”
Beijing commitments are fading
Bangladesh ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) 38 years ago.
The 1995 Beijing Declaration further outlined 12 areas requiring systemic change, from women’s private lives to their relationship with the state.
“These commitments clearly defined what women must do, what citizens must do, and what the state must do,” Sultana Kamal said.
“But over the years, these principles have been neglected by both state institutions and society.”
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Dr Fawzia Moslem said the rise in violence against girls is particularly alarming.
“In many months, more girls are tortured than adult women,” she said.
“This reflects how cruel the situation has become. Law and order has deteriorated so sharply that anti-women attitudes are being normalized.”
She pointed to incidents ranging from attacks on women leaders to assaults on ordinary commuters.
“From Begum Rokeya to a girl on a bus, no one is spared from mob violence and torture. Yet the government takes no action. This emboldens the anti-women forces and terrorists,” she said.
“There is no trial for any incident.”
‘Changing laws is not enough’
Dr Fawzia warned that legal reforms alone cannot curb gender-based violence.
“We can change laws, but unless the perspective of those enforcing the laws changes, nothing will improve. The entire structure must become more women-friendly,” she said.
She argued that violence persists because of severe moral and social degradation.
“Anti-women propaganda has grown tremendously in the past 10 months. Society, education and cultural practices must change. Otherwise it will be very difficult to stop these crimes.”
Regarding the Women’s Equality Charter, she noted the failure to pass the anti-discrimination bill in the last parliament.
“That alone shows society’s resistance to real equality,” she said.
Reflecting on the Beijing Declaration, she stressed that coordination between the state, society and civil society is essential.
“The Declaration made it clear: only when all three act from their respective roles will we succeed. But the state has not taken meaningful action. Many laws exist to protect women, but they are not effective. Whenever women demand rights and respect, they are attacked.”
As Bangladesh observes November 25, the day once again serves as a stark reminder that despite decades of commitments, from CEDAW to Beijing, women continue to face relentless violence, with little justice.
The rising numbers and worsening brutality, activists warn, show that unless impunity ends and institutions are reformed at every level, the country will fail to uphold even the most basic promise of the Beijing agenda: a life free from violence, fear and discrimination for every woman and girl.
