Synopsis
On March 16 in Dhaka, a madrasa teacher, Bojlur Rahman, was arrested after allegations of raping two young boys emerged amidst rising protests against sexual violence in Bangladesh. The boys, aged 9 and 10, were assaulted for months before disclosure, prompting local outrage and a police investigation. The situation highlights the growing concerns over children's safety in the region.Key Takeaways
- Two minors assaulted by madrasa teacher.
- Victims aged 9 and 10, assaults lasted months.
- Local protests reflecting anger towards rising sexual violence.
- Police investigating multiple recent cases of child assault.
- Public calls for government accountability for safety issues.
Dhaka, March 16 (NationPress) Amid escalating protests in Bangladesh against the alarming rise in sexual violence towards women and children, a madrasa educator has been apprehended on Sunday for the assault of two young boys in the Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur, according to local news reports.
The suspect, identified as Bojlur Rahman, 30, a senior instructor at the madrasa, was highlighted in a report by the prominent Bangladeshi publication, The Daily Star.
One of the victim's mothers indicated that her 10-year-old son had been sexually assaulted by the suspect for a duration of two months before the child recently revealed the ordeal.
Another mother of a victim reported that her 9-year-old son endured sexual assault over a period of four months.
Following the revelation, local residents detained the suspect for several hours until military personnel intervened and took him into custody. The police are currently conducting a deeper investigation into the case.
The victims have since been admitted to a nearby hospital for medical examination.
In an unrelated incident, two children were also reported to have been raped and abused in Kahalu, Bogura district.
A case has been registered against Nur Islam for the assault and abuse of two minors. The affected children have been transported to the Victim Support Center at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura for medical evaluation. Efforts are underway to apprehend the accused, as reported by the Bangladeshi news outlet UNB, citing Abdul Hannan, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kahalu Police Station.
Several incidents of rape have been reported in recent days, resulting in at least four individuals being jailed, one arrested, and charges filed against two others for rape and attempted rape across seven districts on Saturday.
Earlier this week, another six children were victimized in six districts throughout Bangladesh. A total of seven individuals were detained on rape charges across these areas. The ages of the sexually assaulted children ranged between six and fourteen years.
In one tragic incident, a teenage girl who was a victim of sexual assault took her own life following false accusations and slander during a local arbitration meeting, as reported by The Daily Star.
Numerous political factions and student groups are vocally criticizing the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus for its inability to combat violence against women and children, especially in light of heightened protests following the death of a rape victim in Magura.
Earlier this week, various student organizations organized a torch-lit procession at Dhaka University, demanding accountability for the increasing incidents of rape nationwide, the resignation of the Home Affairs Advisor, and justice for the eight-year-old child who was raped and murdered in Magura.
During this procession, demonstrators voiced their outrage over the rising rates of sexual assault in this violence-impacted nation.
The surge in violence against women and children following the ascension of the Yunus-led interim government has brought to light the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.
Residents of Bangladesh have persistently called for the dismissal of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, citing his ineffectiveness and failure to ensure public safety.
