The tragic incident of child rape and brutal abuse in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, in 2016 sparked outrage nationwide. A five-year-old child suffered horrific abuse, leaving her with lifelong physical and psychological scars. The prolonged judicial process, the sentencing of the perpetrator, and his eventual release on bail have raised serious concerns. After these incidents, the ‘child rape in Dinajpur’ case has suddenly become the center of discussion.
Incident Overview: October 18, 2016
On October 18, 2016, in a village in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, a five-year-old girl went missing while playing near a neighbor’s house. After an extensive search, she was found the next morning, lying unconscious in a turmeric field, covered in blood.
The child had severe cuts on her genital area, cigarette burns on her thighs, and multiple wounds from sharp weapons. She was immediately rushed to Rangpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
Arrest of the Accused and the Trial: October 2016 – January 2022
The victim’s father filed a case under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on October 20, 2016, at the Parbatipur Model Police Station. Saiful Islam, a father of four daughters and a neighbor, was identified as the prime suspect. On October 24, 2016, police arrested Saiful Islam.
Following the investigation, the case proceeded to the Dinajpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. After a prolonged trial process, the tribunal sentenced Saiful Islam to life imprisonment on January 10, 2022, along with a fine of 20,000 BDT.
The Child’s Long-Term Physical and Psychological Trauma
Due to the severe abuse, the child’s bladder was irreparably damaged, causing her to lose control over urination. She requires constant use of diapers, and multiple surgeries have been performed, yet she remains unable to return to a normal life. Several NGOs have stepped in to support her treatment and rehabilitation.
Psychologists have stated that she has not yet recovered from her mental trauma. Her mother reported, “My daughter remains silent all the time, disconnected from the outside world.”
Controversial Bail of the Convicted: February 19, 2025
Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, Saiful Islam was released on bail on February 19, 2025, after serving only 8 years and 4 months. The High Court granted bail based on the reasoning that he had already spent a “significant time in custody.”
The victim’s father expressed his anger and disbelief: “We got justice, then why did this happen? How can a convict serving a life sentence be released?”
The family remains terrified as Saiful Islam now resides near their home. The victim has withdrawn even further, unable to attend school. Her mother added, “She lives in constant fear. Even we are afraid to leave the house.”
Reactions Against the Bail and Legal Implications
Zeenat Ara Haque, the head of the ‘Amrai Pari’ organization, strongly condemned the bail decision. She stated, “This bail puts the survivor’s family in extreme danger. It also diminishes public trust in the justice system and encourages criminals.”
Government prosecutor Nazma Parveen (Zeba) confirmed that the case is still ongoing and that the victim’s family has the option to appeal the bail decision. Legal experts have voiced concerns that such bail grants go against justice and legal principles.
This case highlights the shortcomings of Bangladesh’s judicial system. While the survivor continues to suffer, a convicted criminal has been freed. Such incidents not only endanger the victim’s family but also raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the legal framework in ensuring justice.
What happens next in this case remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—this release has raised significant doubts about justice and the rule of law.
Sources: 1: Prothom Alo, 27 February 2025, The Daily Star, 10 January, 2022 , Channel I Online, 24 October, 2016, Prothom Alo 10 December 2021
Additional news links: আজকের পত্রিকা ১০ জানুয়ারি, ২০২২, বিডিনিউজ২৪ ১০ জানুয়ারি, ২০২২, এই মুহুর্তে ২৮ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৪
Date: 28 February, 2025
