Special Correspondent; Dbarta24 — Severe criminal offenses, particularly sexual violence and suicides, experienced a disturbing spike across Bangladesh in July compared to the previous month, according to the latest monthly report by the Human Rights Culture Foundation (MSF).
While total recorded instances of violence against women and children saw a marginal decrease, the severity and nature of the incidents have turned increasingly complex and alarming, pointing toward deep-seated social distress, insecurity, and an ongoing culture of impunity.
The findings were released in a press statement signed by MSF Founder President and veteran lawyer Sultana Kamal, compiled using data collected from leading national dailies and local human rights activists.
Escalating Sexual Violence and Suicides
According to comparative data provided by MSF, incidents of rape surged by nearly 33 percent—rising from 68 reported cases in June to 90 in July.
Suicides also registered a dramatic jump of approximately 65 percent, climbing from 17 in June to 28 in July. Reports of sexual harassment and assault similarly witnessed a slight uptick, rising from 21 to 22.
In contrast, certain categories of crime recorded lower numbers. Gang rape incidents dropped from 16 in June to 7 in July, while rape-related homicides decreased from 5 to 3.
Physical torture cases fell from 56 to 42, and overall murder cases dropped from 76 to 52. Cases of abduction and missing persons saw a minor increase, rising to 13 from 12.
“Although the overall count of incidents has slightly diminished, the nature of violence is becoming far more dangerous and worrying,” the MSF report emphasized. “High rates of rape and suicide reflect systemic insecurity for women and children, immense social pressure, and a prevailing culture of impunity.”
Illegal Arbitrations and Abandoned Infants
The human rights watchdog expressed grave concern over the continuing practice of resolving serious criminal matters through local informal arbitrations (salish), bypassing the legal judicial process.
In July alone, three criminal cases—two involving attempted rape and one rape—were settled locally. MSF noted that settling heinous offenses outside the courtroom severely undermines public trust in the justice system and encourages offenders.
The report also brought to light the plight of abandoned newborns. A total of 11 infants were recovered during the month, eight of whom were found dead and three alive.
MSF criticized law enforcement for failing to conduct proper investigations to track down perpetrators in such cases, noting that police typically file unnatural death reports for deceased infants and transfer live ones to the Department of Social Services without further criminal inquiry.
Drug Crackdown and Police Allegations
Law enforcement agencies intensified their anti-narcotics and anti-gambling drives in July. Arrests related to drug operations jumped to 93 from 34 in June, though 14 drug-related fatalities were recorded.
Concurrently, 10 individuals were detained in connection with online gambling activities, compared to zero arrests in June.
However, the report highlighted a troubling setback to institutional transparency: four fresh allegations emerged implicating police officers directly in illegal drug trade networks.
Press Freedom Threats and Political Violence
Media personnel faced heightened hostility during the month. Attacks and harassment against journalists doubled, rising sharply from 18 incidents in June to 36 in July.
Cases and arrests under digital security laws also saw an upward trend, which MSF described as a grave threat to freedom of expression.
On the political and societal front, July recorded 31 deaths resulting from mob violence, while political violence claimed seven lives.
Additionally, law enforcement filed cases against 600 individuals in connection with post-government downfall proceedings, though total arrests under these political cases decreased to 126.