Days after the tragic death of a recent seven-year-old rape victim in Bangladesh, another horrifying wave of sexual violence has come to light on Friday. Within a span of three hours, five victims — including four children and teenagers — were admitted to the One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC) at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), raising serious concerns about the deteriorating state of women and children’s safety in the country.
The incidents were reported to the DMCH between 10 AM and 1 PM. According to police reports, cases have been filed across various stations in the capital. Among the victims, two children and one teenager are from the Mugda police station area, while the others were from Khilgaon and Hatirjheel.
Sabina Yasmin, coordinator of the OSCC, confirmed that the police brought the victims to the hospital, where they have begun receiving medical attention. However, forensic examinations will only take place on Saturday, delaying critical evidence collection.
Three cases have been filed at Mugda police station alone. Police said that, a 12-year-old child was assaulted by a 40-year-old neighbor, Jabbar, who has been arrested. In another case, Pintu Chandra Das was arrested for the assault of a child. Additionally, an 18-year-old man named Siam has been detained for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old teenager in the same area.
A 15-year-old girl from the Khilgaon police station area was also admitted to the OSCC. Dhaka police stated that Alif Siam (20) lured her with the false promise of marriage before assaulting her. A case has been filed, and police are conducting raids to apprehend him.
Meanwhile, a 22-year-old woman from the Hatirjheel police station was admitted after suffering a similar fate. Authorities are pursuing the suspect involved in the case.
These incidents have reignited nationwide outrage, especially following the recent death of a rape victim who succumbed to her injuries in a harrowing case that has shaken the nation. Women’s rights activists and child protection advocates are demanding urgent government action, stricter law enforcement, and swift justice for survivors.
The alarming frequency of such crimes has once again underscored the vulnerabilities faced by women and children in Bangladesh, reinforcing the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure their safety and justice.
