Dhaka, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least 261 women and girls faced different forms of violence across Bangladesh in October, while attacks on minority communities, journalists and freedom of expression also remained a major concern, according to a monthly report by the Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
The report documented 82 rape cases, including 42 involving children. Five rape victims were murdered and another died by suicide. It also recorded 72 cases of sexual harassment and nine deaths linked to dowry-related violence.
Domestic violence claimed the lives of 47 women, while 21 others died by suicide. Violence also took a heavy toll on children, with 38 killed and 163 others subjected to abuse, the report said.
On attacks against religious minorities, HRSS documented four incidents involving the vandalism of seven idols and three homesteads. Two shrines, located in Sherpur and Thakurgaon, were also attacked during the month.
Mob violence was another major concern. Thirty-three incidents involving allegations of theft, robbery and mugging left at least 22 people dead and 20 injured. A further 22 incidents of mob violence resulted in one death and 36 injuries.
The rights body recorded 28 incidents of attacks or harassment involving 46 media professionals. One journalist was killed, 31 were injured and another faced a defamation case.
The report also highlighted restrictions on freedom of expression. Fifteen incidents led to 20 arrests and the filing of 15 cases. Three people were detained, two faced lawsuits over criticism of the Prime Minister, and five were arrested on allegations of hurting religious sentiments. In a separate incident, a person was beaten to death over social media posts. One person was also arrested under the Cyber Protection Act.
Labour-related abuses accounted for 71 incidents, leaving 23 people dead and 134 workers injured. Another 38 workers died in workplace accidents.
The latest findings follow HRSS’s quarterly report, which documented violence against 783 women and abuse of 733 children between July and September. During that period, 253 women and girls were reportedly raped, including 154 minors. Among the victims, 42 were gang-raped, 12 were killed after being raped and one died by suicide.
The quarterly report also recorded 220 cases of sexual harassment, including 103 involving children.
FOLLOW NOW
