RLRC seeks fair probe into Narayanganj child rape, death of the accused

The Rape Law Reform Coalition (RLRC), an alliance of 17 rights organisations, today demanded a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl in Narayanganj's Fatullah and into the death of an accused in the case. In a statement, RLRC also expressed deep concern over the death of the accused, identified as Hiru, following a mob assault by local residents. The coalition also demanded proper enforcement of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the adoption of necessary measures to ensure protection and support for rape survivors and witnesses.

According to the statement, Hiru, 21, of Boktaboli union in Narayanganj Sadar upazila, allegedly raped a six-year-old girl on May 22. That night, local residents detained and severely beat him.

Police later rescued him in critical condition and admitted him to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). The day following the alleged rape, the child’s mother filed a case with Fatullah Model Police Station, naming Hiru as the prime accused and Md Sohel, another resident of the same area, as the second accused on allegations of assisting in the rape. After receiving treatment in DMCH ICU for six days, Hiru died on May 28, said the statement. RLRC also said Monir Hossain in Chairmanghata area of Bakalia, Chattogram, was allegedly beaten by a group on May 21 after being accused of raping a three-and-a-half-year-old child.

Police later rescued and arrested the accused. The alliance said ensuring the protection and security of every citizen, especially women and children, from all forms of violence is a fundamental obligation of the state. The coalition strongly demanded prompt, impartial, and fair investigations into recent incidents of violence and called for swift legal action against all those found responsible.

At the same time, the coalition urged the relevant authorities to take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to play a decisive role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims. Members of the coalition are Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), We Can, Women for Women, ActionAid Bangladesh, Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), CARE Bangladesh, Justice for All Now, Women with Disabilities Development Foundation (WDDF), Naripokkho, Bondhu Social Welfare Society, BRAC, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association (BNWLA), Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).