At least 1,667 women and girls in Bangladesh were subjected to various forms of violence between January and July 2025, according to figures released by Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, a prominent women's rights organisation. The data, presented during a public demonstration in Dhaka on Sunday, 17 August, points to a deepening crisis of gender-based violence that rights groups say is going largely unchecked.

Key Figures from the Data

According to Mohila Parishad General Secretary Maleka Banu, the seven-month tally includes the killing of 83 girls and 258 women, the rape of 292 women and girls, and at least 31 incidents involving rape followed by murder. Banu cautioned that the numbers represent only a partial picture, as the data was compiled from reports in just 14 newspapers out of the many media outlets operating across the country.

'These incidents make it clear that women and children in Bangladesh are not fully safe anywhere today. It is not just rape or sexual violence; women and children are also falling victim to murder, torture and various other forms of violence. The most worrying part is that we are failing to bring down this trend of violence. Even children who have not yet reached physical and mental maturity, who have not yet reached an age where they identify themselves as women, are becoming victims of sexual violence,' Banu said.

Rights Groups Warn of Underreporting

Mohila Parishad president Fauzia Moslem warned that the actual scale of violence could be far greater than the reported figures suggest. She noted that the organisation's data is drawn from a limited selection of press reports, and that a comprehensive count — drawing from all available media — would likely yield 'a far more alarming' picture. The group staged a human chain outside the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka to draw attention to the persistent violence, rape, murder, and killing of children across the country.

Speakers Cite Patriarchal Norms and Weak Enforcement

Addressing the gathering, speakers argued that deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes and discriminatory social norms have prevented women from being treated with basic dignity in Bangladesh. They called for a broader social movement, stronger law enforcement, and effective institutional oversight to curb ongoing violence. Participants also urged Bangladeshi authorities to govern with 'patriotism, humanity and responsibility' to restore the human rights of women and children.

What Happens Next

Rights organisations have demanded concrete legislative and administrative action from the government. With the data covering only the first seven months of the year and drawn from a fraction of available media sources, advocates warn the final annual tally could be significantly higher. The pressure on Bangladeshi authorities to demonstrate accountability is expected to intensify in the months ahead.