du�es freely and without harassment, and the Digital Security Act 2019 is enforced to
combat cybercrime and ensure cybersecurity and further ensure that it does not affect
the freedom of speech and expression. Moreover, the media should play a responsible
and sensible role while repor�ng about children, women, and vulnerable groups so that
their iden�ty and safety security is not hindered.
Violence against women
Although Bangladesh has become a role model for women’s empowerment,
gender-based violence and its magnitude tend to be on the rise. The violence against
women, including rape, has significantly increased during health emergencies in the
COVID-19 pandemic. The NHRC believes if the root cause of gender-based violence,
including rape, can be brought to jus�ce, it will be possible to find an effec�ve way to
prevent it. And so, for the first �me, the NHRC has set up a Na�onal Inquiry Commi�ee to
conduct a Na�onal Inquiry into Violence against Women and Children with a focus on
Rape with the objec�ve to iden�fy the cause, pa�erns, challenges, and recommenda�ons
for the stakeholders for taking ac�on in addressing rape- one of the worst forms of human
rights viola�on.
Child Rights
Children are the future of the na�on. Though there are a number of measures taken to
protect child rights, the incidents of child torture, rape, child marriage, child trafficking &
commercial sexual abuse and exploita�on, child labour, and murder are s�ll a ma�er of
concern in Bangladesh. The NHRC condemned these and called on authori�es concerned
to ensure exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.
Rights of Dalit, Hijras, and all other excluded minorities
Public life has been devastated due to the pandemic. The vulnerable and marginalised
sec�on of the society that lags behind has been subject to discrimina�on and violence.
Ethnic, religious, and Hijras o�en face difficult living condi�ons. NHRC believes that the
excluded groups are yet to be merged into mainstream society. Government ac�on needs
to be strengthened and increase social awareness.
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