3,703 cases of abuse in 2021

A total of 3,703 incidents of torture and sexual violence against women and minor girls took place in different areas across the country last year, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad revealed on Monday.

According to the women's rights organisation, 1,235 women were raped and 179 of them were gang-raped. In addition, 629 minor girls were raped, while 62 were gang-raped between January and December, 2021.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad prepared the report, citing data collected from reports published in 13 national newspapers.

Another 155 women, including 93 minors, face rape attempts in the past year, while 31 women and minor girls were murdered and seven died by suicide after rape.

Besides, 95 women and girls faced other sexual violence during this period.

In 2021, at least 22 women including five minor girls were subjected to acid attacks, while four of them died due to the attacks. Another 180 including 153 minor girls were subjected to abduction and 42 subjected to trafficking.

A total of 444 women, including 114 children, were killed for various reasons. In total, 138 women and girls were tortured for dowry, while 45 of them were killed for dowry.

Last year, 208 women including minor girls faced physical violence, while 427 women including 131 minors died mysteriously.

At least 327 child marriages took place during the period, the statement mentioned.