2017 sees spike in violent incidents

Violent incidents such as murder, rape and child abuse saw a rising trend in the country last year, according to a report revealed yesterday.

At least 6,602 people were killed and 24,616 injured in violence across the county in 2017, found the report prepared by Bangladesh Manobadhikar Bastobayon Sangstha (BMBS).

The same year, rapes committed against women and children were 795 -- almost double of 407 rapes committed the year before. As many as 117 of the last year's victims were gang raped and 28 of them were killed after they were raped, said the report.   

BMBS prepared the report based on news published on different media outlets from January till December of 2017. BMBS revealed the report at a press conference at its office in the capital yesterday.

Violence against children also rose significantly last year with killings of 352 children. The number was 197 in 2016, the report said.

Besides, at least 149 people were killed in “crossfire” by law enforcement agencies in 2017.

A total of 653 people -- 417 women, 194 men and 42 children -- committed suicide the same year. About 33 people were killed and 2,177 injured in political violence, revealed the report.

Speaking at the press conference, BMBS President Advocate Sigma Huda said that the government should establish rule of law by taking stern measures to curb violent incidents.