Bangladesh Sees Spike in Rape Cases, Law and Order Worsens Under Muhammad Yunus Regime
Bangladesh faces a surge in rape and violence under Muhammad Yunus's interim government, with over 24 rapes in 9 days and 2.81 lakh complaints filed. Rising extremism, attacks on minorities, and lawlessness are fueling national and international concern.
NETB24
Dhaka:05 July 2025
Bangladesh is facing a disturbing surge in sexual violence under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Between June 20 and June 29 alone, at least 24 rape cases were reported, prompting growing national and international concern.
Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, labeled the crisis as a “pandemic-level emergency.” She revealed that 2.81 lakh complaints related to violence against women were received in just 10–11 months, yet only around 100 women received actual support.
Murshid condemned the public exposure of victims in the media, contrary to Section 14 of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. She also pointed to rampant child abuse in madrassas, often overlooked by authorities, and committed to deploying officials directly to educational institutions to ensure accountability.
A recent case involving the rape of a Hindu woman in Cumilla by BNP leader Fazor Ali has sparked outrage, particularly due to the subsequent attempts to defame the victim.
In March, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) reported widespread human rights violations including extrajudicial killings, mob violence, political unrest, and increased attacks on women and children. At least 53 rape cases involving children were recorded in February alone.
A February UN report also documented targeted violence against Hindu minorities, revealing the rise of vigilante Islamist groups like ‘Tawhidi Janata’ since the removal of former PM Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Critics accuse Yunus of inaction amid escalating lawlessness, rising extremism, and suppression of civil liberties.
