Rape Cases Jump in May, Child Killings Triple

Representional image. Photo: Collected

Cases of rape rose sharply in May, increasing by nearly 40% compared to the previous month, while incidents of rape followed by murder tripled, with all victims identified as children, according to a new report by a rights organisation.

The monthly Gender-Based Violence Monitoring Report, released on Saturday, recorded 78 rape cases in May, up from 54 in April. Cases involving rape followed by murder rose from two to six during the same period.

The report warned of an alarming rise in sexual violence against women and children, citing gaps in prevention, law enforcement and access to justice.

Gang rape incidents increased from 14 to 16 in May, while attempted rape cases climbed from 23 to 28. Reports of sexual harassment also rose slightly, from 17 to 18.

Overall, 326 incidents of violence against women and children were documented in May, compared to 312 in April.

The report noted that six children became victims of rape and murder during the month, marking the highest monthly figure recorded this year in that category.

Referring to the recent rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Dhaka’s Pallabi area, the organisation welcomed the swift arrest of the suspect and the progress of legal proceedings. However, it stressed that all cases of violence against women and children should receive equal attention, regardless of media coverage or public pressure.

While sexual violence increased, some other forms of violence declined. Physical abuse cases dropped from 64 in April to 43 in May, while murder cases fell from 89 to 79. Cases of abduction and missing persons also declined slightly.

The report expressed concern over the growing use of informal arbitration, or salish, to settle serious criminal allegations, including rape and abuse cases, warning that such practices undermine justice and accountability.

It also highlighted rising concerns over suicide, abandoned newborns, drug abuse and online gambling, saying these issues reflect broader social insecurity and may indirectly contribute to violence and exploitation.

The findings were compiled from incidents reported in national newspapers and online news platforms between 1 and 31 May, with additional verification conducted through local human rights monitors.