Progga Das

Currently, rape against women and children in Bangladesh has emerged as a serious social problem. According to the information provided by the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a rape incident occurs every 9 hours in the country. Although there are strict laws in place to ensure punishment for rape, the reality presents a different picture. Incidents of rape continue to happen regularly, but the perpetrators either escape punishment or face lengthy legal procedures, depriving the victims of justice while the offenders remain beyond reach.

Under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, section 9(1) initially prescribed life imprisonment as the punishment for rape. However, following an amendment in 2020, the maximum punishment was raised to the death penalty. Despite the introduction of the death penalty, violence has not decreased. Instead, incidents of rape and sexual violence against women and children persist.According to a report by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in 2023, a total of 1,413 women were raped. Out of them, 76 were murdered after rape, and 10 were forced to commit suicide. As per the Bangladesh Police’s crime statistics, 1,520 cases were filed in 2024 over rape allegations. Among these cases, 75 women were killed after rape, and 8 died by suicide. Moreover, the situation became even more alarming in January 2025, with 112 rape cases reported in a single month, including 6 victims who were murdered after rape. These reports highlight the horrifying extent of violence against women and children. No one — be it children, elderly women, or young girls — is safe from the vicious grip of rape.The root causes behind the rising incidents of rape and violence include the erosion of social values, lack of family education and moral guidance, ineffective enforcement of laws, delays in judicial processes, the influence of powerful individuals, lack of evidence, the widespread use and availability of drugs, and the fear of social stigma.

According to a survey, nearly 1750 cases are pending on average in each of the 95 special tribunals dealing with the Prevention of Women and Children Repression Act, with at least 40,000 cases being over five years old. Such backlog not only deprives victims of justice but also makes it challenging to ensure severe punishment for offenders.Despite the High Court’s directive to resolve rape cases within 180 days, this is rarely achieved in practice. As a result, many victims and their families lose hope. Research shows that the conviction rate in rape cases in Bangladesh is only 3-4%, meaning that 96-97% of offenders escape punishment.

This contributes significantly to the rising number of rape incidents. The undue interference of influential individuals further emboldens rapists. Political and socially powerful people often use their clout to shield rapists from legal consequences.Moreover, Bangladesh lacks a proper witness protection system. Many victims and their families fear for their safety and refrain from filing cases. Law enforcement agencies and the healthcare system often fail to collect adequate evidence in rape cases, allowing perpetrators to walk free due to a lack of proof. Structural weaknesses in the investigation process also hinder justice. Studies reveal that most rapes in Bangladesh are committed by individuals known to the victim, causing many survivors to avoid legal proceedings due to social pressure. Consequently, crucial forensic evidence is often lost, as some victims unknowingly destroy evidence — for instance, by bathing immediately after the assault.Investigations are also flawed due to biases held by some officers. According to a report by Voice of America, many investigators believe that women are somehow responsible for rape, further skewing the inquiry against the victim.

Experts stress that enacting laws is not enough; their effective implementation must be ensured. The culture of impunity fuels the increase in rape cases. To curb this heinous crime, both the state and society must take effective steps. It is essential to expedite rape case trials by establishing adequate tribunals and training judges. The safety of victims and their families must be guaranteed following case filings. Police investigations should be more transparent and swift. Awareness programs should be introduced in schools, colleges, and universities. Media outlets and social organizations must also play a role.Furthermore, women’s safety in public spaces, transport, and workplaces should be ensured through CCTV installation, better lighting, and security personnel.

Combatting rape requires not only harsh punishments but also social and psychological reforms. Establishing psychological correction centers is vital to address the root causes of this crime.Without the sincere efforts and effective measures of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system, it is impossible to eradicate rape from society. The absence of justice further emboldens rapists. To solve this crisis, the proper implementation of laws, raising awareness, and ensuring victim protection and rehabilitation are crucial. The combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, the government, professionals from all sectors, the general public, and the youth can ultimately eliminate the menace of rape from society.

The writer is a, Student, Department of Economics Eden Mohila College