Acid violence is once again rearing its ugly head in Bangladesh, sparking fresh waves of anxiety across the country.

Reports indicate that women remain the primary targets of these horrific acts of brutality. In the past year alone, eight individuals fell victim to acid attacks.

Acid terrorism first gained national prominence in 1996. Since then, various incidents of acid throwing have been reported periodically.

Historical Context and Statistics
According to data from the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), more than 3,000 acid attacks have occurred in Bangladesh since 1999.

The crisis peaked in 2002, a year that saw a staggering 500 incidents. Following the government’s enactment of the Acid Crime Prevention Act later that year, the crime rate began to decline.

Between 2015 and 2024, 483 people were victimized, resulting in the deaths of 22 women.

The most recent data from 2025 shows eight reported incidents, which claimed three lives:

• July (Jessore): A youth named Jasim doused three members of a family, including a mother and daughter, in acid after being rejected in a romantic pursuit.
• September: A woman seeking refuge at her father's house to escape domestic abuse was attacked with acid by her husband.
• September (Naikhongchhari): A housewife in Bandarban died after her husband poured acid on her.

Official and Expert Responses
Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the Media and Public Relations Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), offered a cautious perspective:

"It is not that these incidents are happening frequently; we view them as isolated cases. Regardless, we are swiftly bringing anyone involved in such crimes under the purview of the law."

However, crime analysts argue that strict enforcement of the law must be paired with widespread public awareness. Dr. Tauhidul Haque, a social and crime expert, noted that acid is often chosen as a weapon of vengeance.

"When someone cannot defeat another through logic, argument, or intellect, they resort to acid to inflict maximum damage," Dr. Haque explained. He further emphasized that "if punishments are not implemented swiftly, the urge to commit crimes will only grow—whether through acid or other means."

Experts conclude that controlling this resurgence requires more than just state intervention; it demands a foundation of humanitarian education within both families and society at large.