Why is the Awami League Criticizing Yunus's Administration Over Increasing Rape Cases in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
The Awami League has raised alarms over a disturbing increase in sexual violence in Bangladesh, particularly under Muhammad Yunus’s leadership. With 24 rapes reported in just nine days and over 281,000 complaints unresolved, the party calls for urgent societal change to protect women. This crisis highlights the dire need for accountability and justice for victims.
Key Takeaways
- 24 rapes reported in Bangladesh in just nine days.
- Over 281,000 complaints remain unresolved.
- Violence against women described as a pandemic-level crisis.
- Awami League emphasizes the need for social revolution.
- Calls for accountability and justice for survivors.
Dhaka, July 7 (NationPress) In just nine days, a shocking 24 women, including an infant, were victims of rape in Bangladesh under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, according to the Awami League. The party noted that over 281,000 complaints remain unresolved.
"In a mere 9 days, 24 women were assaulted. Among them was a child, victimized by a 60-year-old man. These figures are not just statistics; they represent a lifetime of suffering and trauma," stated the Awami League on Sunday.
The party, formerly led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, emphasized, "Rapists are not faceless strangers. They include police officers, educators, and politicians, many of whom roam free, shielded by silence and a failing system."
"Under Yunus's unlawful governance, Bangladesh has become an unsafe haven for women. Daily, women are subjected to rape while the state remains mute. When survivors pursue justice, they face further humiliation—through police inquiries, invasive medical assessments, courtroom brutality, and societal blame. Inside courtrooms, survivors are scrutinized for their attire and character. Cases stretch on for years. Social media exacerbates the trauma, disseminating victims' images while rapists remain nameless," the Awami League added.
"Merely enacting laws won't suffice. A societal revolution is essential. Women should stand up, confront, and demand justice. Men need to ally with them. Silence equates to complicity. As long as leaders like Muhammad Yunus are in power, change will remain elusive," it asserted.
Referring to the body of a Bangladeshi woman as "a battlefield," the party remarked, "Unless the state acknowledges its responsibility, this suffering will persist. We must challenge the state—without this, women will never find safety."
Recently, the Awami League disclosed alarming statistics, revealing that in June alone, there were 63 reported rape incidents, including 17 gang rapes. Additionally, 7 survivors were women or girls with disabilities, while 19 were children and 23 were teenage girls.
Furthermore, 39 cases of sexual harassment and 51 physical assaults against women were recorded.
"These figures transcend mere statistics. They starkly illustrate that women and girls in Bangladesh are constantly engulfed in fear," the party emphasized.
In a press briefing in Dhaka last week, Sharmeen S. Murshid, the Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Advisor of Bangladesh under the interim government, described the escalating violence against women and children as a "pandemic-level crisis."
The advisor revealed that over the previous 10 to 11 months, 281,000 complaints have been logged via the ministry's toll-free hotline.
"Violence is rampant within families, workplaces, public spaces, and online. Despite Section 14 of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and directives from the High Court, victims' images continue to be published in the media," The Dhaka Tribune reported the advisor stating.
"While I am a human rights advocate, I now endorse the death penalty for these offenders. The scale of violence has surpassed our limits," Sharmeen added.
Bangladesh has been engulfed in protests, a declining law and order situation, and an uptick in violence against women and children since Hasina's removal in August 2024, when the Yunus-led administration took the reins.
Point of View
It's essential to approach the crisis of rising violence against women in Bangladesh with clarity and urgency. The alarming statistics presented by the Awami League reflect a critical need for accountability and reform within the current governance structure. The safety of women should be paramount, and the growing number of unresolved complaints indicates systemic failures that must be addressed. A multifaceted approach, involving legal reforms and social awareness, is crucial to ensure the protection and justice for women across the nation.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation regarding violence against women in Bangladesh?
The situation is dire, with a significant rise in reported incidents of sexual violence, including 24 rapes in just nine days, and over 281,000 unresolved complaints.
What has the Awami League stated about the issue?
The Awami League has condemned the Yunus administration for failing to protect women and called for a societal revolution to confront and demand justice.
What measures are being called for to address this crisis?
There is a call for legal reforms, increased accountability for offenders, and a societal shift towards supporting survivors of violence.
