The year 2025 is witnessing a disturbing trend for young girls in Bangladesh, with a sharp increase in sexual abuse cases. A report released from Dhaka reveals that 306 cases of sexual assault against minors were registered between January and July 2025. This marks a 75% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had previously raised concerns about the rising number of sexual abuse cases involving young girls in the country.
The report from N O Salish Kendra reveals concerning details about the ages of the victims, sparking questions about the state of law enforcement. The report indicates that 49 of the cases involved girls aged 0-6, 94 involved girls aged 7-12, and 103 involved girls aged 13-18. The age of the victim was not specified in 60 cases.
The report highlights that incidents of sexual abuse are occurring in various settings, including religious schools (madrasas) and public streets. From January to July 2025, 22 cases were reported in madrasas or educational institutions, while 49 cases occurred on the streets. Police reports detail that in the street-related cases, the girls were often followed before being taken to undisclosed locations where the assaults took place.
Furthermore, the report points out the failure of the police to secure justice for the victims. In 55 cases, the initial cases were dismissed, leaving the young girls without legal recourse.
It’s not only young girls who are at risk; disabled girls are also being targeted in Bangladesh. In June of this year alone, 7 cases of rape against disabled girls were reported, prompting the Human Rights Commission to label the situation as horrifying.
According to the Bangladesh Police, approximately 5,600 cases of sexual abuse against young girls were recorded between 2014 and 2024, averaging 560 cases per year.
The current figures for 2025 suggest that this year could see a record number of sexual abuse cases involving young girls.