259 women, girls suffered rape, violence in May: Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

At least 259 women and girls, including 145 girls and 114 women, suffered various forms of violence and abuse, including rape, in Bangladesh in May, according to an analysis of data by the central legal aid sub-council of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

The findings were released in a press release signed by the organisation's general secretary Maleka Banu on Tuesday, June 3, based on reports published in 15 national dailies.

According to the release, a total of 72 people, including 59 girls and 13 women, were raped in May. Among them, 15, including eight girls, were victims of gang rape. Four people, including three girls, were killed after rape, and three girls committed suicide following rape. Attempted rape was reported against 26 individuals, including 22 girls.

Sexual violence affected 22 people, with 15, including 13 girls, suffering sexual abuse. Two girls were subjected to harassment, with two girls committing suicide as a result. Three people were victims of cyber violence.

A total of 46 people, including 12 girls and 34 women, were murdered for various reasons. Two others faced attempted murder. Mysterious deaths were reported for 22 people, including six girls and 16 women. Fifteen people, including eight girls, committed suicide. Four people, including three girls, were victims of suicide abetment.

Two people, including one girl, suffered acid attacks, and one woman suffered burn injuries.

Dowry-related violence affected four people. One woman suffered physical violence from domestic abuse, and one girl was a victim of domestic worker abuse. Twenty-six people, including 16 girls, were kidnapped, with two others facing attempted kidnapping. Three people were victims of trafficking. Nine people, including two girls, suffered physical abuse. Five people, including one girl, were subjected to various other forms of abuse.