DHAKA is home to millions. Yet, beneath its economic growth and cultural vibrancy lies a grim and unsettling reality 鈥� an alarming rise in rape and violent crimes. The growing incidence of sexual violence, particularly against women and children, poses a grave threat to public safety, human rights and the well-being of society as a whole. Addressing this crisis requires urgent and effective measures to prevent such heinous acts and ensure justice for victims.
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Disturbing reality
REPORTS indicate that cases of rape and gender-based violence in Dhaka have surged over the years. According to Ain o Salish Kendra, a human rights organisation, 2023 alone saw over 1,200 reported cases of rape across Bangladesh, with many occurring in the capital. The true figures, however, are likely much higher due to significant underreporting. Spaces that should offer security 鈥� streets, workplaces, educational institutions and even homes 鈥� have increasingly become sites of danger for women. Weak law enforcement, societal stigma surrounding victims, and a culture of impunity for perpetrators have exacerbated the crisis. Many survivors refrain from reporting assaults, fearing social ostracisation, lack of trust in the judicial system, or direct threats from criminals.
A 2022 Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics report shows that nearly 80 per cent of women in urban areas have faced some form of harassment in public spaces. Meanwhile, a BRAC survey found that over 90 per cent of women using public transport in Dhaka have experienced verbal or physical harassment. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic intervention to ensure women鈥檚 safety in the capital.
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Flawed justice system
DESPITE legal frameworks such as the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and provisions for the death penalty for rapists, the conviction rate remains abysmally low. Transparency International Bangladesh reports that only 3 per cent of reported rape cases result in convictions. Lengthy legal proceedings leave survivors without justice, while politically connected offenders frequently evade punishment, thus, reinforcing a dangerous precedent of impunity.
Law enforcement agencies, often constrained by inadequate resources and insufficient training, struggle to handle cases of sexual violence effectively. Victims attempting to report crimes frequently encounter humiliation and some police officers dismiss their complaints as mere 鈥榩ersonal matters.鈥� Compounding the issue, forensic facilities remain inadequate, with many rape cases lacking proper medical documentation, further weakening prosecution efforts.
The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn have only exacerbated gender-based violence. UN Women reported a significant rise in domestic violence and sexual harassment during lockdowns, exposing even more women and children to heightened risks.
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Current scenario and challenges
THE inefficiency and insensitivity of law enforcement agencies toward victims remain a major concern. Reports of police refusing to file complaints, mishandling evidence, or subjecting survivors to further trauma are all too common. Moreover, limited forensic facilities and a lack of proper medical documentation in many cases weaken prosecutions and deny justice to victims.
The judicial process itself presents significant hurdles for rape survivors. Lengthy and cumbersome court proceedings often lead to victims withdrawing their cases, deterred by threats from perpetrators and societal stigma. The absence of victim protection programs further discourages survivors from seeking justice. A nationwide survey by Ain o Salish Kendra found that nearly 60 per cent of rape victims do not report their cases due to fear of reprisal or public backlash.
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Preventive measures
THE government must prioritise rapid arrest and prosecution of offenders. Establishing special fast-track courts dedicated to handling rape cases efficiently can prevent the prolonged delays that discourage victims and embolden criminals.
Comprehensive sex education is essential in raising awareness about consent, respect, and gender equality. Schools must incorporate these discussions into curricula to instill values that prevent gender-based violence from an early age.
Improved public safety measures, such as increased street lighting, expanded CCTV surveillance in crime-prone areas and enhanced police patrolling, especially at night, can help deter potential offenders. Strengthening women-only transport services and emergency response systems will also improve security.
Empowering women through self-defence training and establishing dedicated women鈥檚 help desks at police stations can encourage victims to report crimes. Additionally, fostering financial independence and expanding employment opportunities for women will reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
Ensuring that no perpetrator is above the law is crucial. Authorities must take decisive action against individuals who use political connections to escape justice. Political influence should not be a shield for criminals.
The media also plays a critical role in shaping public discourse. Responsible reporting that avoids victim-blaming and highlights systemic failures can drive public pressure for meaningful change. Social media, too, can serve as a powerful platform for raising awareness and mobilising support for stronger legal protections and justice for victims.
Better victim support systems are necessary to aid survivors. More crisis centres providing counselling, medical care and legal assistance should be established. A government-backed victim protection program would help ensure that survivors and witnesses can testify against perpetrators without fear.
Bangladesh can also look to successful models from other nations in combating gender-based violence. Sweden and Canada, for example, have implemented stringent laws, fast-tracked legal proceedings, and introduced community-based programmes to promote gender equality. South Korea鈥檚 advanced forensic facilities have significantly improved evidence collection that leads to higher conviction rates.
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Society鈥檚 role听
THE fight against rape and violent crime in Dhaka cannot be left solely to the government or law enforcement agencies. It requires a collective effort involving families, communities, educators and religious leaders. Parents must educate their children about consent and mutual respect, while society must move away from the toxic culture of victim-blaming.
Men, in particular, have a vital role in dismantling the structures that perpetuate violence against women. Challenging sexist norms, intervening in harassment cases, and promoting gender equality in their communities are essential steps toward meaningful change. Workplaces, too, must implement stronger policies to prevent harassment and ensure that women feel safe in professional environments.
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Time for action
PEOPLE deserve a city where safety is not a privilege but a fundamental right. By implementing stronger preventive measures, ensuring justice for victims and fostering a culture of accountability and respect, we can work toward a society where crimes against women and vulnerable populations are no longer tolerated.
The time for action is now. Citizens must demand accountability from authorities, push for systemic reforms, and unite in the fight against gender-based violence. If Bangladesh truly aspires to become a developed nation, it must first ensure that its women and children can live without fear. Only through a comprehensive approach 鈥� blending legal reforms, efficient law enforcement, societal transformation and international best practices 鈥� can Dhaka become a safer city for all.
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Mahmodul Shesheir is an associate Researcher at Yale University. Mehadi Shawon is a PhD student at Kansas State University. Faiaz Ahmed is a research coordinator at Yale University.