Murder incidents rising in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has witnessed an 11 per cent increase in murder incidents in April 2011 compared to the number recorded in the previous month, Democracywatch said. The non-government human rights watchdog in a statement issued Thursday said a total of 166 people were murdered across the country during the month of April against 149 murders in March. It said the killing incidents occurred on various reasons, including terrorist attack, robbery, clashes for land and properties, dowry, rape and Eve-teasing. "Of the killings, 103 were male victims, 50 female and 13 children," it added. The rights group made the disclosure after observing reports of human rights violation published by national dailies during the 30 days. The statement stated that three people were killed in crossfire with law enforcers and two in police custody. During the time, 15 girls were raped in April against14 in the previous month. The report said some 23 people committed suicide for various reasons such as Eve-teasing, dowry and family feud in April. Of the suicide victims 13 were male and 10 female. The report further said 10 women were killed and two others injured for dowry in 23 different incidents in April.