231 women, girls subjected to violence in October: Mahila Parishad

A total of 231 women and girls were victims of violence across Bangladesh in October, according to a report released on Sunday, November 2, by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

The statement, signed by the organisation’s General Secretary Maleka Banu, cited data compiled by the Central Legal Aid Sub-Council based on reports published in 15 national dailies.

The findings show that 62 women and girls were raped in October. Among them, 44 were victims of single rape, 13 (including 10 girls) suffered gang rape, and five, including two minors, were killed after rape. Attempts were made to rape another 13 women and girls.

Meanwhile, 53 women and girls were murdered, including 46 women and seven minors, while three others survived attempted murder. The report also documented 26 mysterious deaths, including 17 women and nine girls.

Seven women and girls committed suicide, one of whom was allegedly driven to suicide. Twelve (six women and six girls) were victims of sexual violence, including 11 cases of assault and one of harassment.

In the same month, four women suffered burn injuries, one of whom later died. A domestic worker was tortured and killed, while seven girls were abducted and ten people (including six minors) fell victim to human trafficking.

Additionally, 19 women, including five girls, were physically assaulted. Two cases of attempted child marriage were reported, and there were seven dowry-related incidents, in which five women were murdered and two others tortured.