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women and girls faced violence in May, up from 294 in April.

Rape cases rose to 83 from 68 in April. Of the victims, 57, or nearly 70 percent, were under 18, compared with 30 child victims in the previous month. Gang rape cases increased to 17 from 13.

Six rape victims, including four children, died after being assaulted.

Among the cases highlighted in the report was the rape and killing of eight-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa Akter in Dhaka’s Pallabi on May 19, which sparked nationwide outrage.

Reported sexual harassment cases fell slightly to 76 from 79 in April, although the number of child victims increased from 40 to 42.

Domestic violence remained severe. In May, family-related violence left 63 women dead and 31 injured, while 45 women died by suicide. In April, 64 women were killed, 36 injured, and 36 died by suicide.

Child abuse also increased. HRSS recorded 215 children subjected to abuse in May, compared with 191 in April. Among them, 56 children died and 211 suffered physical or psychological abuse.

The organisation also raised concerns over child health services, saying that more than 600 children nationwide died over the past three months after developing measles-like symptoms. It cited inadequate vaccination management, shortages and limited access to advanced treatment.

The report further cited the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka’s Moghbazar on May 27, alleging hospital mismanagement.

Border areas remained unsafe for civilians, according to HRSS.

Along the Bangladesh-India border, the report documented six incidents involving India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in May, leaving four Bangladeshis dead and 20 injured. In April, two people were killed and two injured in similar incidents. At least 14 people were reportedly detained by the BSF in May, up from eight in April. HRSS also said at least 166 people were pushed into Bangladesh through various border points during the month.

Along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, three people were killed and one injured in landmine explosions allegedly caused by mines planted in the area. The report also recorded four incidents in which 18 people were detained by the Arakan Army.

Mob violence increased sharply. HRSS documented 66 incidents of mob attacks and public beatings, leaving at least 31 people dead and 68 injured. In April, 44 such incidents resulted in 22 deaths and 39 injuries.

In contrast, political violence declined.

HRSS recorded 64 incidents of political violence in May, resulting in five deaths and 289 injuries, down from 98 incidents, six deaths and 533 injuries in April.

According to the report, most of these incidents stemmed from political rivalries, internal factional disputes, territorial dominance and extortion-related conflicts.

Freedom of expression also faced restrictions, with 11 incidents recorded in May. These led to the detention of six individuals and the filing of seven cases involving 12 accused.

According to HRSS, one person was detained over a Facebook post critical of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while six others were detained for allegedly criticising leaders and activists of the ruling BNP. Two people were arrested on allegations of hurting religious sentiments and making derogatory remarks, and another person was detained in a separate incident.

The report also noted that 12 individuals were accused in five separate cases filed under various provisions of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025.

Journalists faced continued hostility.

HRSS recorded 39 incidents involving harassment or abuse of 78 media professionals during May. Among them, 42 were injured, 18 assaulted, nine threatened and one detained. Eight journalists were named in two separate cases.

The organisation also documented three attacks on members of minority communities, injuring five people, vandalising six homes and involving one case of land grabbing.

Two separate attacks on shrines in Kushtia and Dhaka were also recorded.

At least seven inmates died in prisons across the country in May, while law enforcement agencies recovered 28 unidentified bodies from different areas during the month.