2,362 women face violence in 11 months: Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

A total of 2,362 women including 1,036 girls were victims of violence from January to November this year, according to Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP).

BMP Central Legal Aid Sub-Committee shared the information at a press conference at the National Press Club's Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall today (10 December).

The press conference was organised by BMP Central Legal Aid Sub-Committee and Sweden Sverige, in recognition of the International Campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November to 10 December) and World Human Rights Day 2024.

The event was chaired by Dr Fauzia Moslem, president of the BMP Central Committee, and the written statement was presented by Rekha Saha, secretary of BMP's Central Legal Aid.

Rekha Saha said the report was prepared based on reports published in 16 national newspapers which show 2,362 women including 1,036 girls were victims of violence.

During these 11 months, the incidents of violence against women and girls, particularly femicide, alarmingly increased, she said.

A total of 486 women and girls were killed for various reasons, she added.

Dr Fauzia Moslem said violence against women is universally recognised as violation of women's human rights and a severe manifestation of gender inequality. "While various laws, policies, and government and non-government initiatives have been put in place to protect women, the situation remains unchanged."

She said domestic violence is a major area of concern, caused largely by gender inequality in family laws, which result in women being deprived of rights in all aspects of their personal lives.

To prevent violence against women and girls, BMP placed 25 recommendations, including ensuring equal rights for sons and daughters, eliminating harmful traditional practices, and ensuring justice for survivors of rape.

Maleka Banu, general secretary of the BMP Central Committee was, among others, present.