torture on Shahidul Alam also was tantamount this year. NHRCB believes that freedom of expression should be respected and media as well as rights organizations have to continue constructive reports for the betterment of the state without abuse of freedom of expression. 2.5 Rights of Women & Girls Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in terms of women empowerment. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was conferred with Global Women's Leadership Award for her outstanding contribution to their cause. However, violence against women and children continued in 2018. NHRCB noticed with concern that the incidences of rape of women including girl children had increased alarmingly in 2018. The number of rape incidents is on the rise in our country. The news, from various newspapers to TV channels, has been drawing attention to it for years, and the trend in yearly statistics of rape incidents continues to be alarming. NHRCB lauds government for launching of a smartphone app “Joya” this year aiming to address violence against women and children. NHRCB also acknowledges government’s initiative to launch toll free helpline 999 and 109 for combating violence against women and children. However, NHRCB believes that all the perpetrators of VAW needs to be given exemplary punishment immediately to stop all kinds of VAW. 2.6 Rights of Children NHRCB acknowledges that government has enacted Rules of Child Marriage Restraint Act in 2018. Through this rule, gaps or concerned on some provisions of the act can be addressed. However, in 2018 NHRCB noticed with serious concern that the incidences of child rape and torture has increased. According to NHRCB monitoring report, 169 children were raped in 2018. NHRCB believes that speedy trial and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators of child rape and torture can stop these violences against children. 2.7 Election Violence In December 2018, national election was held all over the country. NHRCB appreciates all the political parties for taking part in the election. NHRCB believes that this election has been participatory and acceptable in nature. NHRCB also lauds Election Commission for organizing a free and effective election. NHRCB noticed people from all walks of life specially marginalized community had been able to exercise their voting rights. However, election violence in this year like previous years has been tantamount. In 30 December more than 200 others were injured in clashes between rival Awami League and BNP supporters in 24 districts. Eight of the dead were involved with Awami League or its front organisations while four with BNP or its associate bodies and one each with Jatiya Party and Liberal Democratic Party. An Ansar man and three general people are also among the victims.7 7 18 Dead, 200 hurt; The Daily Star, 31 December 2018, https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh-national-election-2018/18-dead-200-hurt-in-banglad esh-election-day-violence-2018-1681006 Annual Report-2018 19