240 women and girls subjected to violence in October, 51 raped: Report

A total of 240 women and girls faced various forms of violence across Bangladesh in October this year, including 51 rape victims, according to a monthly report published by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

The report, signed by the organisation's General Secretary Maleka Banu, was released on Sunday, November 1. It documented various forms of violence, including rape, murder, suspicious deaths, suicide, sexual harassment and abduction.

Of the 51 rape victims, 34 were girls and 17 were women. Sixteen victims, including six girls, were subjected to gang rape. Three victims, including two girls, were killed after being raped. In addition, 21 people, including 17 girls, were subjected to attempted rape.

The report recorded 42 murders of women and girls in October, including 35 women and seven girls. During the same period, 28 people, including five girls, died under mysterious circumstances. A total of 23 people, comprising 17 women and six girls, died by suicide. Another seven people, including two girls, were reportedly driven to suicide.

The report also highlighted incidents of sexual violence. A total of 21 people, including 15 girls, experienced sexual violence during the month. Of them, nine, including seven girls, were subjected to sexual harassment. Another nine people, including seven girls, faced stalking, while three people, including one girl, were victims of cyber violence.

In addition, one person suffered acid burns and four people were burned in separate incidents, including three girls. Seven women faced violence over dowry demands, with six of them being killed. Two people experienced physical abuse in domestic violence incidents. Eight others, including two girls, were also subjected to physical assault.

The report further stated that six girls were abducted in October. Attempts were made to abduct 21 people, including nine girls. During the same period, two people, including one girl, fell victim to human trafficking.