We have learned the lessons of Matsyanyaya (the law of the fish) from history. Is Bangladesh now going through an era of Dorshonyaya (the law of rape)? How many more broken hearts like Aasiya’s must we endure? How many more mothers’ endless tears must we witness?
Matsyanyaya refers to a state of social and political anarchy where, in the absence of strong state power, the strong prey upon the weak—just as big fish devour small fish. In medieval Bengal, particularly after the fall of the Sena and Pala dynasties and during the early days of Muslim rule, a state of Matsyanyaya emerged. With the collapse of central governance, feudal lords, landlords, and warlords engaged in violent struggles, pushing ordinary people into extreme suffering.
On February 25, at the National Martyrs’ Army Day event at the RAOWA Club in Dhaka, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman warned:
"Instead of uniting, we are preoccupied with personal conflicts and attacking one another, giving criminals the opportunity to thrive. We are in a state of chaos. Criminals believe they can escape justice even if they commit crimes."
At this moment, there is no crime in Bangladesh that is not being committed. Murder, robbery, and theft have become routine. However, the most alarming rise is in violence, oppression, and sexual assault against women.
Various human rights organizations have reported statistics on rape in Bangladesh for 2024. According to the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 401 women were raped or gang-raped last year. Among them, 34 were murdered after being raped, while seven committed suicide.
The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad reported that in 2024, newspapers published 2,525 reports on violence against women and girls. Among these cases, 516 victims were raped—367 of them were children, and 149 were adult women.
It appears that in just the first three months of 2025, we have already surpassed the total figures from last year.
What is the interim government doing?
Regarding rape and violence against women, neither the interim government’s cabinet members nor the leaders of the newly formed National Citizens’ Party have taken any visible action or given any effective statement.
On International Women's Day, Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus stated:
"We will stand together with the people of our country to combat the forces trying to suppress women."
But, Sir, isn’t it already too late? When innocent children are suffering in ICUs after being brutalized by monstrous cowards, when exactly will you take action—and against whom?
Rape incidents in Bangladesh are increasing at an alarming rate, yet no one seems to care. From young girls to elderly women, no one is safe from this brutality.
Recently, the case of eight-year-old Aasiya from Sreepur, Magura, has shaken our collective conscience. That little girl could be anyone’s child. As a father, I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility—and grief. Does she have the strength to endure the monstrous torment inflicted upon her?
A Home That Became a Hell
During the Eid holidays, Aasiya visited her sister’s in-laws' house, where she was raped by her sister’s father-in-law. Shockingly, according to her elder sister, not only was the father-in-law involved, but her own husband was also complicit in this heinous crime.
After enduring inhuman abuse, little Aasiya is now battling for her life in the ICU of Combined Military Hospital (CMH). This incident is a stark reminder of the terrifying society we live in—a society where even one’s own home is not safe for children.
Why Do People Rape? What Do Psychologists Say?
Rape is not just an act of physical lust; it is a complex psychological and social issue. Psychologists believe that the driving factors behind rape include power dynamics, distorted mentalities, societal instability, and deeply ingrained patriarchal beliefs.
1. Abuse of Power and Control:
American psychologists Donald Dutton and Nicholas Griffin argue that rape is primarily a method of exerting power and control over victims. The goal of many rapists is not sexual pleasure but rather humiliation and dominance.
2. Patriarchal Society and Misogyny:
David Lisak’s research (2002) indicates that many men believe women are weak and that exerting dominance over them is a sign of masculinity. This belief stems from toxic masculinity, a socially ingrained mindset that fuels sexual violence.
3. Childhood Trauma and Psychological Disorders:
According to Dr. Richard Tremblay’s research (2015), many rapists were themselves victims of physical or sexual abuse in childhood. In adulthood, they attempt to cope with their unresolved trauma by inflicting harm on others.
4. Lack of Sexual Education
In Bangladesh and many other countries, the lack of proper sex education leads to ignorance about consent, relationships, and mutual respect. Many individuals grow up without learning to respect a woman’s autonomy, leading them to normalize forced sexual encounters.
5. Misuse of Pornography and Violent Fantasies:
Research has shown that prolonged exposure to violent and rape-themed pornography can lead to aggressive sexual behavior. Dr. Neil Malamuth’s study (2018) suggests that men who regularly watch violent pornographic content are more likely to exhibit rape tendencies than the general population.
It’s no secret that smartphones, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in Bangladesh are now filled with depravity. People are mindlessly imitating what they see.
6. Weak Laws and a Culture of Impunity
Canadian psychologist Dr. Craig White states that when rapists are not punished, criminals become emboldened, leading to more incidents. This culture of impunity significantly contributes to the rising rape statistics.
What Can Be Done?
• Comprehensive Sexual Education – Teach children about consent, relationships, and mutual respect from an early age.
• Strict Law Enforcement – Ensure that rapists are punished swiftly and severely.
• Family Responsibility – Educate children about gender equality and respect for women.
• Mental Health Support – Provide psychological treatment for those with deviant sexual tendencies.
Psychologists agree that rape is not just a personal crime driven by lust—it is a reflection of power struggles, mental disorders, and deep-rooted societal flaws. To combat it, we need strict law enforcement as well as widespread social awareness and mindset change.
References:
• Donald Dutton & Nicholas Griffin – The Psychology of Power and Control (2002)
• David Lisak – Predatory Nature of Serial Rapists (2002)
• Richard Tremblay – Childhood Trauma and Criminal Behavior (2015)
• Neil Malamuth – Pornography and Aggressive Sexual Behavior (2018)
• Craig White – Legal Impunity and Sexual Violence (2020)
• Amnesty International Report on Sexual Violence in South Asia (2021)
• United Nations Report on Gender-Based Violence (2022)
• Reports from Ain o Salish Kendra and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
Author: Journalist
March 8, 2025
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