The rape and death of an eight-year-old girl have deeply shocked Bangladesh. The child, who was allegedly raped by her sister’s father-in-law, died from her injuries on March 13. The horrific incident has led to widespread protests and renewed demands for justice.
Crime Took Place at Sister’s Home
The girl was visiting her elder sister’s home in Magura, western Bangladesh, on March 5. Reports say her sister’s father-in-law raped her, while her sister’s husband allegedly assisted in the crime. The husband’s brother and mother knew about the assault and later tried to kill the child to cover it up.
Police Arrest Four Accused
Authorities acted swiftly and arrested four suspects: the father-in-law, husband, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law. “Primarily, we have learned that the victim’s sister’s father-in-law raped the girl, and the victim’s brother-in-law assisted the father. We’ll be able to give more details after further investigation,” said Additional Deputy Inspector General Belayet Hossain.
Child’s Condition Was Critical
The victim was initially unconscious when admitted to a hospital in Magura. Doctors later transferred her to Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for better treatment. A hospital doctor confirmed that the child had serious injuries on her neck, scratches on her body, and severe bleeding.
Protests Erupt After the Girl’s Death
Despite doctors’ efforts, the child died after suffering three cardiac arrests. “Although doctors managed to stabilize the condition twice, the heart failed to restart after the third episode,” stated Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department.
Her death triggered massive protests. Thousands gathered in Magura’s public square for her namaz-e-janaza (Islamic funeral prayer). Protesters also set fire to the house of the main accused. In Dhaka, female students led a march, demanding justice and stronger legal protections for women and children. Around 300 protesters, mostly women, demonstrated at Dhaka University, holding signs and chanting for freedom from sexual violence.
Government and Political Leaders Respond
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed shock and ordered a swift trial. Police banned protests near Yunus’ residence and other government offices. Opposition leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded severe punishment for the accused.
Trial to Begin Soon
Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed that authorities have completed DNA sample collection. “We hope to get the report within five days,” he stated. “If we start the trial within seven days, our judges can ensure justice with the utmost speed.”
Rising Cases of Child Rape in Bangladesh
Since the Magura case, at least three more rape cases involving girls aged seven to nine have emerged. Bangladeshi law mandates the death penalty for child rapists and requires rape trials to conclude within 180 days. However, justice often faces delays.
According to the Law and Arbitration Center, Bangladesh has recorded 3,438 child rape cases in the past eight years. Shockingly, 539 victims were under six years old, while 933 were between seven and twelve.
Push for Faster Justice
Authorities plan to amend the Violence Against Women and Children Act. The changes will establish special tribunals for child rape cases, ensuring faster trials. Protesters and activists continue to push for stricter enforcement and harsher punishments for offenders.