A shocking incident in Rowangchhari Upazila of Bandarban has left the local community and administration in a state of disbelief. A mentally challenged adolescent girl (16) from the Khiam indigenous community has allegedly been raped. In connection with the incident, a local construction worker, Md. Jamal Hossain (32), has been arrested.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, March 10, in Khamtang Para of Rowangchhari Upazila. The accused, Jamal Hossain, is the son of Md. Nazrul Islam from Barishal and was working as a laborer on the Rowangchhari-Ruma road construction project.
According to local residents, the mentally challenged girl often wandered around the neighborhood. On Monday evening, Jamal Hossain took her into the jungle and allegedly raped her. Hearing the girl’s screams, locals rushed to the scene and rescued her. Jamal managed to flee the scene.
The next morning, on Tuesday, other construction workers on the project apprehended Jamal and handed him over to the local residents. The locals detained him in a nearby school and informed Rowangchhari Police Station. Police arrived at the scene, arrested Jamal, and took him to the police station.
Police and Administration Response
Abdul Karim, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) in Bandarban, confirmed the incident. He stated that the accused construction worker had been handed over to the police by the local community, and legal action would be taken against him. He also mentioned that the police had spoken to the victim’s family and encouraged them to file a formal case.
Local Community Reaction
Residents of Khamtang Para expressed deep concern and anger over the incident. They shared that the mentally challenged girl was well-known in the community, and they had always been cautious about her safety. The incident has left them shocked and heartbroken.
Human Rights Perspective
Human rights organizations working for the rights of indigenous communities and mentally challenged individuals have taken the incident seriously. They have demanded that the victim’s family be provided with legal and psychological support. Additionally, they have called for more proactive measures from the local administration and society to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
This incident raises serious questions about the safety of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in society. It underscores the urgent need for effective measures to prevent violence against indigenous communities and mentally challenged individuals.
Date: March 11, 2025
Source: banglatribune
এই আর্টিকেলটি বাংলায় পড়তে চাইলে এখানে ক্লিক করুন
