The Manobadhikar Sangskriti Foundation (MSF) has reported a significant increase in incidents of violence against women and children in September compared to August, calling the trend alarming. A total of 208 cases were recorded in September 2024, which is 70 more than the previous month. These include 35 cases of rape, 11 cases of gang rape, and 2 incidents of rape followed by murder. Among the victims were five children and adolescent girls with disabilities.
The report was published on 30th September, based on information gathered from various national media outlets and MSF’s own investigations. MSF expressed concern that law enforcement agencies are failing to take strong and visible action against violence targeting women and children.
The report, signed by MSF’s founding president and lawyer Sultana Kamal, also noted that despite the changing political situation, extrajudicial killings and so-called “gunfights” continued in September. There were also deaths resulting from custodial torture. Political violence has been on the rise, and threats and attacks on journalists have continued, hindering the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. Violence against religious minorities also persisted, and clashes between hill communities and Bengali settlers led to casualties. Mob beatings continued, and there were new incidents of cultural attacks under the pretext of religion, which MSF strongly condemned.
The report highlighted a sharp increase in internal conflicts among BNP party members in September. Political violence was reported in 48 separate incidents, affecting 624 people—5 of whom were killed and 619 injured. Among the dead were four BNP activists and a trolley driver. Additionally, four Awami League activists were beaten to death by criminals. The report also noted a rise in mob lynching incidents, with 24 people killed in 33 such cases across the country.