Progga Das

The alarming rise in rape cases in the country is not just a crime , it is a deep wound in the veins of civilization, a violent assault on humanity. Rape is more than physical abuse; it is a brutal psychological massacre. Each incident of rape proves that the real weapon of the perpetrator is not their physical strength but their mindset. Crime spreads in society when the effort to suppress it remains confined to external measures while the psychological flaws remain untouched.Rape is fundamentally a psychological monster, born from mental perversion, nurtured by a culture of impunity, and strengthened by patriarchal arrogance. Despite the death penalty for rapists in Bangladesh, the number of rapes is not decreasing; in fact, it continues to rise.

The reason is simple punishment is an external barrier, but if the criminal's mind is inclined towards crime, the fear of punishment cannot stop them. Laws are effective only when the mentality of society supports them. However, if a criminal's mind is ingrained with the monstrous belief that women are inferior or mere objects of pleasure, then the law fails to deter them.The law reacts after a crime has been committed, but the real battle to prevent rape starts within the human mind, long before the crime occurs. Once a perverted mentality takes root, fear of punishment cannot eliminate it.

Therefore, no matter how strict the law and severe the punishment may be, they remain hollow if psychological development is not placed at the center. If every individual learns to respect women, embraces the principle that women are not objects of consumption, and internalizes this belief, then rape will cease to exist in society.

A rapist’s mindset is not formed overnight , it is the result of long-standing mental distortion and an unhealthy societal culture. From childhood, a child’s mental framework is shaped by family, society, and the media. Rape is a twisted fruit of an invisible yet deeply rooted patriarchal system. Society repeatedly teaches men that power means dominance, and sexuality means conquest. This mentality not only encourages rape but also attempts to justify it.Furthermore, when a woman's identity is confined to her body and beauty, young minds begin to see women merely as sexual objects and commodities. When songs, advertisements, and obscene content in the media degrade a woman's dignity, it silently pushes minds towards moral decay.Many offenders do not commit rape solely for sexual gratification and they use it as a means of revenge, punishment, and a display of power. It is an explosion of their unfulfilled desires, frustration, and suppressed anger.

Often, a rapist’s mental distortion begins in childhood, within the family. Witnessing a father abusing the mother, seeing women being disrespected, and observing a boy child’s arrogance all these plant the seeds of a distorted mindset.Strict punishment undoubtedly plays a role in deterring crime, but it cannot uproot the problem in the long run. The death penalty or life imprisonment destroys the criminal's body, but the dark mindset often remains intact, only to spread to the next generation. The true strategy to prevent rape is not to rely solely on fear of punishment but to destroy the mental roots of criminal tendencies.Therefore, children must be taught from an early age that women are not objects , they are independent human beings. Textbooks must present the role and dignity of women with emphasis.

The idea of gender equality must be instilled in both boys and girls, starting from the family. Uprooting patriarchal ideologies is the first step in this battle.It is also crucial to introduce mental counseling and regular observation. Schools and colleges should monitor male students' behavior. Any student who shows disrespect, contempt, or sexually suggestive behavior towards women must be brought under psychological counseling. Immediate measures must be taken to identify and rectify perverted mentalities.The lack of sex education in the country is a major reason behind criminal mindsets. Children must be given clear ideas about consent, bodily autonomy, and the social rules of sexual behavior through a well-planned system.

This will help to eliminate criminal tendencies.In the media, the way women are portrayed as objects of desire in songs, dramas, and advertisements is a form of silent psychological violence. Such portrayals must be banned by law. At the same time, promoting a positive attitude towards women in the public consciousness is essential.Keeping convicted rapists imprisoned will not reform them. Their mental state, suppressed anger, thirst for power, and distorted thoughts must be identified and addressed through psychological therapy.As part of the psychological development against rape, a society of protest must be built.

The culture of blaming victims must end. When a rape occurs, the criminal should be socially ostracized, their mental structure analyzed, and their psychological weaknesses publicly exposed.In preventing rape, alongside law and punishment, psychological development is the ultimate force because the root of such crimes lies in our mentality, thoughts, and social structure. Law enforcement agencies can only take the final step, but it is the responsibility of society to cure the mental disease of rape. As long as the psychological roots of criminals remain intact, new offenders will continue to emerge.Therefore, the most effective way to prevent rape is to eradicate the darkness of the mind and light the path with pure and beautiful mental growth. Only then will Bangladesh become a safe and rape-free homeland for every woman.

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