An estimated 11 women, and girl child suffer some form of violence every day, on an average, in the first six months of the current year, according to a women’s rights body.
Approximately 2083 women, and girl child were subjected to sexual violence during the period.
BMP, a women-led organization working to protect women's rights, revealed that these violent incidents occurred till Jun 30, 2019.
Out of the total 731 incidents of sexual violence, 592 were raped, 113 were gang-raped, 26 were killed after being raped, and 123 were victims of attempted rape, said Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
From 2014 through 2018, a total of 5,274 women, and children encountered different forms of violence including 3,980 rapes.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad came up with the figures at a press conference held at its Segun Bagicha headquarters, in Dhaka.
The report was prepared based on news and reports published in 14 national dailies.
Ayesha Khanam, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, said it has become long overdue to make revisions, and reforms to the existing laws that deal with rape, and sexual violence.
She emphasized that there should be an exemplary punishment, and speedy trial against the perpetrators in order to keep them from committing these atrocious crimes.
Rape incidents
She also urged the government to declare a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against rape, and other forms of sexual violence.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) put forth 32 recommendations at the event, including an end to all kind of violence against women, girl, and children, ensuring equal rights for both boy, and girl child in all section of the society, raise awareness, and encourage social movement to prevent rape, sexual violence, killings, etc.
To promote the status of women of Bangladesh, BMP is active both nationally and internationally, in order to empower women who are living in a disadvantageous position.