400 women raped in first 7 months of 2026, 37 killed after rape: ASK
The number of rape cases remained high in July, when at least 81 women were raped, compared with 80 in June.
Highlights:
- 400 women raped between January and July
- 37 rape victims killed after the assaults
- 81 women raped in July, including 43 aged 18 or below
- 71 prisoners died in custody in the first seven months
- 134 people killed in mob beatings between January and July
- 77 killed, 2,974 injured in 400 political violence incidents
- July saw 21 deaths from mob violence, 11 political violence deaths
At least 400 women were raped in Bangladesh between January and July this year, with 37 of the victims killed after rape, according to data compiled by human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
The number of rape cases remained high in July, when at least 81 women were raped, compared with 80 in June. Seven of the victims in July were killed after rape, the organisation said.
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Children and adolescents accounted for a significant share of the victims in July. Of the 81 rape victims, nine were aged under six, 18 were aged between seven and 12, and 16 were aged between 13 and 18.
The data were compiled from reports published in different media outlets and verified by rights activists, the ASK said.
The organisation's monthly assessment said the overall human rights situation in Bangladesh remained largely unchanged, with violations continuing across different sectors.
According to the ASK, at least 10 inmates died in jail custody in July, compared with nine in June. Of those who died in July, seven were undertrial prisoners and three were convicted prisoners.
The ASK said in the first seven months of the year, at least 71 undertrial and convicted prisoners died in jail custody.
Mob violence also remained a major concern in July, with at least 21 people killed in mob beatings. Dhaka division recorded the highest number of deaths at 12, followed by Chattogram with four.
Between January and July, at least 134 people were killed in mob beatings. Of them, 50 were killed in Dhaka division, 31 in Chattogram, 17 in Khulna, 12 in Rajshahi, 10 in Barishal, nine in Mymensingh and five in Rangpur.
Political violence also continued in July, with at least 11 people killed and 120 injured in 26 incidents. In June, 11 people were killed and 218 injured in 27 incidents.
Between January and July, at least 77 people were killed and 2,974 injured in 400 political violence incidents.
