The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has alleged that sexual violence in Bangladesh has reached alarming levels. The organization claims that women and children from minority communities—particularly Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists—are the primary victims of this violence. In a statement issued on Saturday (August 23), HRCBM said that since the interim government came to power, sexual violence has escalated to the level of a “pandemic.”
According to the organization’s data, 342 rape cases were formally registered in the first three months of 2025 alone, with 87% of the victims being under the age of 18. However, this number does not reflect the full reality. HRCBM asserts that the actual number has already crossed into the thousands, but remains unreported due to victims’ silence, social stigma, and state inaction.
HRCBM further stated that it has recently filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, calling for a judicial inquiry into sexual violence committed against women and children across the country. The organization particularly highlighted that minority women and children are being systematically and disproportionately targeted.
The statement read:
“Women from minority communities face a double jeopardy—first, the widespread violence against women in general, and second, being specially targeted because of their religious identity. It is the state’s duty to protect them, but the government is instead covering up the situation.”
The organization also alleged that the role of police and administration in such cases is highly questionable. Delays in filing cases, negligence in investigations, and pressure from influential groups have deprived victims of justice.
According to HRCBM, urgent measures are needed to tackle this crisis. In addition to a judicial investigation, they have called for long-term structural reforms, special protections for minority women, safe shelters, and fast-track justice mechanisms.
The human rights body warned that without effective initiatives to prevent sexual violence, Bangladesh’s social stability and international reputation will suffer severe consequences.
