Barisal and Magura rape: High Court orders security for families of two rape victims

The High Court has directed the District Commissioner and Police Superintendent of Barisal to ensure the security of a child rape survivor and her family. 

Similarly, the District Commissioner and Police Superintendent of Magura have been instructed to provide security for the elder sister of a child who died after being raped.

On Tuesday, March 18, a High Court bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury issued the order during a hearing on a supplementary petition. 

Earlier, a writ petition was filed to remove the photos and videos of the Magura rape victim, and the supplementary petition was submitted in connection with that case. 

Barrister Hamidul Misbah and Barrister Syed Mahsib Hossain represented the petitioners during the hearing, as reported by bdnews24.com.

Hamidul Misbah stated that the court has ordered the Department of Social Services to ensure the security of the rape survivor and her family in Barisal, as well as the elder sister of the deceased child in Magura.

In Barisal, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped on March 4 while returning home from private tutoring. 

The victim‍‍`s father filed a case against two individuals the following day. 

However, the accused reportedly pressured the family to withdraw the case. 

A week later, on March 11, the victim‍‍`s body was found behind her house.

In protest of these incidents, various political and social organizations have already held demonstrations in front of the Barisal District Commissioner‍‍`s office.

In Magura, an 8-year-old girl was raped and tortured on March 6 while visiting her elder sister‍‍`s house, sparking nationwide outrage. 

After several days of treatment, the child died on March 13 at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka.

According to the case details, the victim‍‍`s brother-in-law, Sajib, assisted his father, Hitu Mia, in carrying out the assault. Sajib‍‍`s mother, Jabeda, and younger brother were also aware of the incident. 

They attempted to cover up the crime by trying to kill the child. Police have taken them into custody for interrogation.