Bangladeshi Media Reports Nearly 1,600 Incidents of Violence Against Women and Girls in First Half of 2025: Rape Counts 624 including 191 Minors

This report presents media-documented incidents of violence against women and girls in Bangladesh during the first half of 2025, covering the period from January to June. A total of 1,585 incidents were reported across various categories, with the cases divided into two groups: women aged 18 and above and girls below 18 years of age.

Rape emerged as the most alarming category, accounting for 624 incidents, of which 191 victims were minors. Other significant forms of violence included domestic violence, sexual harassment, abduction, trafficking, dowry-related abuse, and murder. The data further reveals that minors were disproportionately targeted in cases of rape and abduction.

283 murders took place within six months. Among them, 232 were aged below 18. 116 girls and women became victims of domestic violence at the same time.

Geographically, the highest number of cases were reported from Dhaka, Chattogram, and Cumilla, reflecting a concentration of incidents in both metropolitan and semi-urban areas.

Note: This analysis highlights only the cases reported in media outlets. The actual number of incidents is likely to be higher due to underreporting, stigma, and lack of access to justice. The findings stress the urgent need for robust preventive measures, legal reforms, and social awareness to combat systemic violence against women and girls in Bangladesh.