A shocking allegation of gang rape against a female journalist has surfaced in the Pallabi area of Dhaka, sparking widespread outrage and drawing the attention of human rights organizations. Pallabi Thana Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community.
According to police sources, the incident occurred on Monday night. On Tuesday morning, the victim (female journalist) called the national emergency helpline 999, prompting police to rescue her from the scene. She subsequently filed a case at Pallabi Police Station. During initial interrogation, the two arrested suspects confessed to their involvement in the rape.
The officer-in-charge (OC) of Pallabi Thana, Md. Nazrul Islam, stated that the victim identified herself as a female journalist. In her complaint, she mentioned that she had gone to the Matikata area to investigate reports of extortion by local criminals. She arrived at the location around 11:00 AM on Monday.
The victim alleged that upon her arrival, she was surrounded by 16 individuals who took her to an under-construction building in the Barnatek area of Pallabi, known as “Green City.” There, she was gang-raped. The female journalist further claimed that she had gone to the Matikata area after receiving information about obscene videos being filmed in an under-construction building. A group of young men allegedly abducted her and took her to the third floor of a 12-story under-construction building in Green City, where she was surrounded and gang-raped from 1:00 AM to 8:30 AM.
The female journalist named eight individuals in her complaint, while the identities of the remaining eight remain unknown. Police have already arrested two of the accused, and legal proceedings are underway.
Following the incident, the victim was taken to the One Stop Crisis Center at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, which provides specialized services for survivors of gender-based violence. She is currently receiving medical treatment and counseling. Reports indicate that her physical and mental condition is severe.
OC Nazrul Islam provided further details, stating that after the perpetrators left, the victim called 999. A team from Cantonment Thana Police rescued her and brought her to Pallabi Thana, as the crime occurred within their jurisdiction. She filed a detailed case, naming eight individuals and identifying eight others as unknown assailants.
In a swift operation, police arrested the main accused, Enamul Haque (38), and his accomplice, Hamidur Rahman (50), from the Pallabi area. During initial interrogation, both confessed to their involvement in the gang rape. They will be presented in court on Wednesday for further questioning, and efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.
Enamul Haque is a resident of Char Gobinda in Mymensingh Sadar, while Hamidur Rahman hails from Meghdubi in Pubail, Gazipur. Both are currently living in Dhaka.
This incident highlights the alarming rise in cases of rape and violence against women in recent times. Over the past few months, such incidents have increased across the country. Last week, an eight-year-old girl lost her life after being sexually assaulted while visiting her sister’s home in Magura. These incidents have sparked widespread anger and protests, with political parties, social and cultural organizations, and citizens from various walks of life demanding an end to violence against women.
Local residents have expressed deep concern and anger over the incident, calling for stricter legal measures against such crimes. Human rights organizations have urged authorities to expedite the investigation.
Pallabi Thana Police have assured that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness, and special operations are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
This incident has reignited concerns about the safety of women and female journalists, particularly female journalists who face risks while performing their professional duties. Calls have been made for stronger measures to ensure their protection and prevent such atrocities in the future.
Sources: BBC Bangla, Prothom Alo
Date: 19 March, 2025
এই আর্টিকেলটি বাংলায় পড়তে চাইলে এখানে ক্লিক করুন
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