Record Number of Cases in April: Surge in Violence Against Women and Children in Cumilla
By Mohammad Shariful Alam Chowdhury, Cumilla
Cumilla has seen an alarming rise in cases filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. In April alone, a record 51 cases were filed, marking an increase of 13 compared to March. In February, the number stood at 31.
These figures were revealed at a meeting of the District Law and Order Committee held on Monday, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Md. Amirul Kaisar.
According to the meeting, 17 of the 51 cases in April involved rape allegations. Additionally, there were eight murder cases filed that month. However, incidents of theft and robbery slightly decreased.
Deputy Commissioner Amirul Kaisar stated, “It’s not necessarily a rise in crimes, but rather an increase in people seeking legal recourse. Victims are now more willing to come forward and file cases, which is a positive development.”
Additional Superintendent of Police Rashedul Haque Chowdhury added, “Previously, many such cases were settled informally at the community level. We are now stopping that. Even if no formal complaint is made, we take action as soon as we receive information.”
Public Prosecutor of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, Badiul Alam Sujan, noted, “The rise in cases—especially rape—doesn’t only indicate increased crimes. It also reflects that victims now have the courage to seek justice. In the past, many incidents went unreported due to social pressure or influence.”
The meeting also highlighted recent successful operations by law enforcement. District police recovered three foreign pistols, one revolver, one shotgun, several rounds of ammunition, and a variety of locally made weapons. RAB-11 recovered four more foreign firearms and arrested three individuals.
Additionally, 136 mobile court drives were conducted in April, resulting in 237 cases and fines amounting to Tk 223,250. One illegal clinic and diagnostic center was shut down, and seven other institutions were fined a total of Tk 135,000.
In 32 operations against illegal dredging businesses, fines totaling Tk 2.18 million were imposed.
The committee also resolved to intensify highway patrols, take legal steps to protect agricultural land, recover illegal weapons, and continue crackdowns on unauthorized hospitals and clinics.
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