March Saw Twice as Many Rapes as February: MSF Report

Staff Reporter

The human rights organization Manobadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF) reported in its March 2025 report that the number of rapes in March more than doubled compared to February. Incidents of rape and murder have also increased. The report stated that a total of 428 incidents of violence against women and children occurred in March, including sexual assault and attempted rape, which is significantly higher than the previous month.

The report was released on Monday, March 31. MSF publishes monthly human rights reports based on newspaper reports and its own investigations. According to the report, 132 rape incidents occurred in March, whereas February recorded only 57. There were 17 gang rapes in February, which increased to 25 in March. The number of attempted rapes rose from 19 in February to 61 in March.

The report stated that incidents of violence against women and children, particularly attempted rapes, have risen significantly in March. It mentioned that despite strict laws against violence towards women and children, the lack of efficiency in crime prevention and law enforcement, along with prolonged judicial processes, has contributed to the rise in such incidents.

The lack of accountability and prompt action by law enforcement agencies has fueled violence against women and children, raising significant national concerns. The alarming increase in rape cases has heightened a sense of insecurity among people. MSF stated that the inaction and negligence of law enforcement agencies have also led to an increase in crimes such as mugging, extortion, and robbery. The report pointed out a clear lack of responsibility and sensitivity from the relevant authorities.

A review of human rights violations in March showed incidents of police brutality, including deaths during surrender and escape attempts. Deaths from political violence also increased. Cases against students protesting discrimination are ongoing. Mass arrests have decreased but remain a concern.

Political violence and casualties increased in March, particularly due to power struggles among political leaders. Internal conflicts among BNP leaders and activists were prominent, resulting in deaths and injuries. According to MSF, 52 incidents of political violence in March affected 459 people, with 12 deaths and 447 injuries. Among the injured, three were undergoing treatment for bullet wounds.

Among the deceased, six were BNP members, three were from Awami League, one was a pedestrian, one was an elderly person, and one was a foreign national. The last three were killed in BNP factional clashes, despite not being party members. Of the 52 incidents of violence, 39 were internal BNP conflicts, six were clashes between BNP and Awami League, three were between BNP and Jamaat, one was between BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami Unity Alliance, one was between BNP and LDP, one between BNP and NCP, and one was an internal NCP conflict.

Additionally, there were four targeted attacks on political leaders and activists, resulting in two deaths and six injuries. Two political leaders were also found dead. Among those killed in targeted attacks, one was associated with BNP and the other with Awami League. The two bodies recovered belonged to individuals involved in Awami League politics.

At least 39 incidents of mob lynching occurred in March, resulting in 13 deaths and 56 serious injuries. In February, mob violence injured eight people. Among those killed in mob attacks, seven were suspected robbers, one was accused of attempted rape, one died due to excessive alcohol consumption, and one was suspected of mugging.

Among the seriously injured in mob beatings, 19 were accused of attempted rape, four of sexual harassment, four of mugging, 14 of robbery, and 15 of theft, mugging, or similar crimes.

The MSF report stated that mob killings due to law enforcement negligence are a serious crime, referred to as extrajudicial executions. It also noted that taking the law into one’s own hands through mob attacks to seriously injure someone is a criminal offense. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for identifying those involved in mob lynchings and taking legal action against them.