According to a recent survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, an alarming 87% of Bangladeshi women endure domestic violence inflicted by their husbands and in-laws. Disturbingly, out of the 13,000 women surveyed, 65% reported physical abuse, 53% reported sexual abuse, and 82% reported psychological abuse. Despite these distressing figures, many women refrain from seeking assistance due to fear – fear of their abusers, fear of societal judgment, and fear of the patriarchal system that perpetuates such violence.
It is crucial to acknowledge that Bangladesh is predominantly a Muslim nation, with 146 million out of 163 million individuals identifying as Muslim. Unfortunately, within this religious and cultural context, male dominance and control over women are often reinforced, resulting in the normalization of domestic violence. Unless there is a fundamental transformation in societal attitudes and structures, women in Bangladesh will continue to endure the pervasive issue of domestic violence.
After entering into marriage, many men tend to view themselves as the exclusive possessors of their wives, objectifying them for their own sexual gratification and expecting them to fulfill their every desire. Findings from a survey conducted in Bangladesh indicate that a considerable number of men, residing in both rural and urban areas, firmly believe in their entitlement to physically punish their wives as a means of correcting their mistakes. The survey further highlights that a majority of men, irrespective of their rural or urban background, perceive toughness as an essential characteristic of true masculinity, thereby endorsing the notion that women should endure oppression for the sake of their families.
Regrettably, sexual violence within marital relationships is alarmingly prevalent in Bangladesh, yet it remains a highly sensitive and rarely acknowledged subject. The reality is that domestic abuse permeates nearly every household in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgent necessity for raising awareness and taking decisive action to combat this pervasive issue.

It has been observed that a significant number of women who have encountered domestic violence also face the issue of marital rape. According to the “Violence Against Women” survey, approximately one in three women in Bangladesh has experienced rape by their spouses. The primary reason behind their silence is the fear of abandonment by their husbands. This pattern is prevalent in Bangladesh, where gender roles are distinctly defined. Girls are raised to perform household tasks alongside their mothers, while boys are encouraged to contribute to the family’s financial stability. Consequently, these girls grow up with a diminished sense of self-worth and confidence, perceiving themselves as vulnerable and reliant on men for their basic necessities. The majority of these women are too apprehensive to voice their concerns, fearing abandonment and lacking alternative options. Moreover, societal stigma and poverty may prevent their own families from accepting them. Consequently, after marriage, these women become primarily dependent on their father, brother, and husband.

Photo Credit: Allison Joyce/ Getty Images
Domestic violence is not recognized as a punishable crime by the law, which discourages many victims from reporting their cases. The police often dismiss it as a family matter and advise victims to avoid involving the court, leading to a situation where women are hesitant to seek legal assistance due to fear of blame or being asked to handle the matter privately.
Three significant factors contribute to domestic violence: lack of education, child marriage, and dowry. These factors are interconnected, as early marriages deprive girls of their right to education, limit their opportunities, and expose them to the risk of oppression. Despite the illegality of dowry in Bangladesh, many groom’s families indirectly demand it through gifts and keepsakes. Brides who are unable to bring dowry often face mental or physical abuse, and in extreme cases, even death by burning.
In Bangladesh, the legal age for marriage differs for girls and boys, with girls being allowed to marry at 18 and boys at 21. However, the enforcement of this law is not stringent. Disturbingly, a significant number of girls in rural areas, around 71%, are married off before they reach the age of 18, while in urban areas, the percentage is slightly lower at 54%. These early marriages often result in exploitation as young girls are ill-prepared to fulfill the expectations of their husbands and in-laws. It is crucial to acknowledge that when a girl gets married in Bangladesh, she not only becomes a wife but also becomes a part of her husband’s entire family. This cultural practice places an additional burden on young girls and contributes to issues such as domestic violence and sexual abuse within marriages. Tragically, some women feel so trapped in these circumstances that they see no alternative and resort to suicide. Without support from their own families and inadequate legal protection, death becomes their only perceived escape. This distressing cycle continues to perpetuate the suffering of numerous girls, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and change.
Watch how this women is beaten and abused by her husband in public only because she asked for money to buy food.
Photo Credit: Raihanul Islam, DhakaTribune
Despite the crucial importance of assistance for the betterment of humanity, this woman was left without any support. The prevalence of violence against women is a frequent and recurring issue, observed on a daily basis. If families were to perceive their daughters as valuable assets rather than burdens and prioritize their education by sending them to school, women would not be rendered powerless or reliant on men. This empowerment would enable them to provide for themselves and their families, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and content world.
You educate a man; you educate a person. You educate a woman; you educate a nation.
Brigham Young
References:
- https://www.ucanews.com/news/domestic-abuse-a-daily-reality-for-bangladeshi-women/70582
- http://www.asianews.it/news-en/More-than-80-per-cent-of-Bangladeshi-women-victims-of-domestic-violence-38763.html
- https://www.bustle.com/articles/174534-9-stats-about-violence-against-women-girls-you-should-know-for-orange-day
- https://www.thedailystar.net/most-abused-at-homes-8422
- https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2018/01/21/watch-household-abuse-normal-bangladesh/
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