The year 2025 is proving to be difficult for minor girls in Bangladesh. A new report issued from Dhaka indicates that 306 cases of sexual abuse against girls were recorded from January to July 2025. This represents a 75% increase compared to 2024. Recently ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina alleged that cases of sexual abuse against young girls had increased in Bangladesh.
The report by the organization N O Salish Kendra highlights concerns about the ages of the victims, raising questions about law and order. The report states that 49 cases involved girls aged 0-6, 94 cases involved girls aged 7-12, and 103 cases involved girls aged 13-18. In 60 cases, the age of the victim was not disclosed.
Cases have occurred in various locations including madrasas and on the streets. Out of the total, 22 cases were reported to have occurred in madrasas or educational institutions from January to July 2025. Similarly, 49 cases occurred on the streets. According to police reports, in these 49 cases, girls were initially followed and then taken to unknown locations where the sexual abuse took place.
The report further indicates that the police are failing to secure justice for the victims of sexual abuse. In 55 cases, the initial cases were dismissed. The police have been unable to provide justice to these girls.
In addition to young girls, disabled girls are also being targeted in Bangladesh. In June of this year, 7 cases of rape against disabled girls were recorded, which the Human Rights Commission described as horrific.
According to the Bangladesh Police, approximately 5,600 cases of sexual abuse against young girls have been recorded from 2014 to 2024, which averages to 560 cases per year.
The current trends in 2025 suggest that the figures for sexual abuse against young girls could surpass previous records.