A Nation in Fear: The devastating toll of sexual violence in Bangladesh

Sexual violence in Bangladesh is not just a statistic—it is a harrowing reality that has left thousands of women and children traumatised, their lives forever altered. Beyond the numbers lie stories of shattered dreams, lost dignity, and a pervasive fear that grips communities. 

Despite years of advocacy and activism, the justice system remains slow, societal stigma persists, and survivors often find themselves fighting alone against a system that fails them.

A Crisis Deep-Rooted in Society

Between 2019 and 2024, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, reports of rape and abuse reached alarming levels. More than 43,000 women—including 7,000 children—became victims of rape in just six years, according to media reports. Some were attacked due to political affiliations, others simply for being women in a society where power is often wielded as a tool of intimidation and violence. When university students and activists protested, many were met with sexual assault at the hands of government forces and ruling-party activists.

For every reported case, there are countless others that remain unspoken, buried beneath shame, societal pressure, and a broken legal system. Survivors often refrain from seeking justice, knowing that they will face blame rather than support. Even those who step forward endure drawn-out trials, invasive questioning, and the pain of seeing their attackers walk free due to corruption and political interference.

Some of the most heinous cases in recent years include the 2024 Jahangirnagar University rape case, where a woman was attacked in what should have been a safe academic environment; the 2020 MC College gang rape, where ruling-party activists brutally assaulted a woman in a college hostel; and the 2018 Subarnachar election-night rape, a case of political retribution. While some perpetrators were eventually sentenced, these instances remain the exception rather than the rule.

The Hidden Economic Consequences

Sexual violence extends beyond personal trauma; it has profound economic repercussions. Survivors often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, leading many to leave their jobs or drop out of school. When women fear going to work or children hesitate to attend school, the entire nation suffers. Lost productivity, lower household incomes, and stunted human capital development slow economic progress.

The financial burden on families is immense. Hospital bills, therapy costs, and rehabilitation services add to the suffering of survivors, many of whom already struggle to make ends meet. Furthermore, Bangladesh’s potential for tourism and foreign investment is hindered by its high crime rates, particularly against women. Safety concerns deter investors and tourists, resulting in fewer job opportunities and economic stagnation.

The government allocates significant resources to law enforcement, legal trials, and victim support programmes. However, without efficient enforcement and timely justice, much of this investment is wasted. Swift and effective judicial processes could redirect these funds towards national development rather than continuously fighting the same battle.

A New Government, A New Hope?

Since August 2024, Bangladesh has been under an interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. While his administration has pledged to combat gender-based violence, the crisis persists. In March 2025, the brutal assault and subsequent death of an eight-year-old girl in Magura sparked nationwide outrage. Protests erupted across the country, demanding justice and safety for women and children. In response, the government made swift arrests and proposed amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, aiming to expedite trials and ensure stricter penalties.

However, legislative changes alone will not eradicate the problem. A cultural shift is necessary—one that prioritises education, awareness, and systemic reform. Comprehensive sex education, gender sensitivity training, and community-led initiatives must be implemented to dismantle deep-rooted misogyny. Law enforcement agencies require training to handle cases with sensitivity, ensuring that survivors receive justice without further trauma. Safe shelters, crisis centres, and mental health support networks must be expanded, offering survivors a chance to heal and rebuild their lives.

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. It can continue down a path where women live in constant fear, or it can commit to building a future where justice is swift, safety is guaranteed, and dignity is upheld. The fight against sexual violence is not just about legal reforms; it is about reclaiming the soul of a nation that has long ignored the suffering of its women and children. Real change demands collective action—because until every survivor’s voice is heard, the crisis will remain beyond numbers.