224 girls raped, 133 commit suicide in first 8 months of 2024: Report

She noted that despite the death penalty being the maximum punishment for rape, the crime continues to rise.

Out of the 224 rape cases, 134 were single incidents, and 33 were group rapes, with nine of the victims being disabled. Additionally, 35 girls were lured into rape through love traps, and 32 were victims of attempted rape.

Syeda Ahsana highlighted that 81 girls were killed during this period, citing family conflicts, past enmities, and sexual abuse as the primary causes. A further 20 deaths occurred under mysterious circumstances, with no clear explanations provided.

Addressing the issue of suicides, she mentioned that 133 girls took their own lives, with causes including depression, family discord, rejection in love, and sexual abuse.

She emphasized that society, families, and the state bear responsibility for these tragedies.

The report also revealed that 28 girls were sexually harassed, 19 were kidnapped or trafficked, and 187 girls died by drowning. Ten domestic workers were tortured, with five suffering physical abuse, one being killed, and four enduring sexual abuse.

Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, president of the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum, warned that the entire nation would pay the price if girls continue to face deprivation.

While acknowledging progress in some areas, he stressed that much more needs to be done in nutrition, education, and child marriage prevention.

The forum outlined 11 demands to build a safer Bangladesh for girls, including: 

1. Enacting a "Sexual Harassment Prevention and Remedies Act" to address harassment at all levels;
2. Expediting judicial proceedings for child abuse, rape, and murder cases;
3. Amending laws to require the accused to prove innocence in rape cases;
4. Implementing strict anti-sexual harassment cells in educational institutions and workplaces, as per High Court directives;
5. Ending political and administrative protection for child abusers;
6. Establishing a separate department for child protection;
7. Strengthening efforts to prevent child marriage and increase social awareness;
8. Ensuring responsible use of technology and blocking pornographic sites;
9. Enforcing laws against cyberbullying and raising awareness about pornography's harmful effects;
10. Increasing the social safety net budget for girls and their families;
11. Uniting government, civil society, and families in the fight to protect girls and establish human rights.