Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed cabinet ministers and senior officials to launch a nationwide effort to combat rape and violence against women in the country. The directive emphasizes the need for immediate and effective action to address the increasing incidents of such crimes. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani disclosed that this directive was issued during a cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister.
The government under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has decided to implement coordinated measures involving multiple agencies to prevent such crimes and expedite the resolution of ongoing cases. Authorities have been tasked with ensuring prompt investigations and trials by enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the judiciary. The aim is to reinforce the institutional framework by strengthening district-level courts to facilitate speedy trials.
Law enforcement agencies have raised concerns about a potential rise in violence against women during and after the Eid period, leading the government to intensify preventive actions. Any escalation in such incidents could trigger political demonstrations, adding pressure on the administration during a critical phase. The cabinet also discussed strategies to enhance the efficiency of existing tribunals handling cases of violence against women, emphasizing that trial delays contribute to a sense of impunity.
Against the backdrop of broader worries within the government regarding law and order maintenance, market stability, and public safety during the Eid holidays, the move aims to address these pressing issues. Earlier reports in January highlighted a significant surge in crime rates in 2025 across Bangladesh, with women and children disproportionately affected by violence. The spike in crime rates is attributed to the challenges in law and order following the transition of power from the Awami League government to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Police statistics cited by local media indicated a total of 181,737 cases, including rescue-related incidents, registered in 2025, with a notable focus on violence against women and children. The country faced a surge in violence against women and children and a deteriorating law and order situation during the 18-month tenure of the Yunus-led interim government.
