Today, November 25, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day was first proclaimed in 1981 at a conference of Latin American women to combat violence against women. It gained recognition at the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993 and was officially endorsed by the United Nations on December 17, 1999. In Bangladesh, the day has been observed annually since 1997.
According to data from the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), from January to October 2024, at least 1,303 women and girls were victims of violence. Among them, 505 were subjected to rape, including 261 children under the age of 18. A total of 118 women and girls were gang-raped, and 34 were murdered following rape. Furthermore, 11 women died by suicide due to such abuse. Sexual harassment affected 281 women and girls, of whom 115 were children. Dowry-related violence led to the deaths of 50 women and injuries to 29. Domestic violence resulted in the deaths of 265 women, injuries to 67, and the suicides of 99 women. Additionally, 8 women were severely injured in acid attacks.
Between 2019 and 2023, HRSS reports that at least 12,583 women and girls were victims of violence. This includes 7,176 rape cases, 225 murders following rape, and 51 suicides. Sexual harassment affected 2,639 women and girls, while dowry-related violence claimed 296 lives, injured 375, and drove 20 women to suicide. Domestic violence resulted in the deaths of 1,063 women, injuries to 365, and the suicides of 274. Acid violence caused 9 deaths and left 99 women critically injured.
HRSS strongly condemns such acts of violence and expresses deep concern. The organization emphasizes that equal participation of women and men is essential for social, political, and economic progress. HRSS calls for a collaborative effort to prevent violence against women and girls and urges everyone to take action within their respective capacities. They also hope that implementing the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and Children will significantly reduce such incidents in Bangladesh in the near future.
