In a deeply troubling sequence of events, three separate cases of sexual violence against women and girls with disabilities have emerged from different districts of Bangladesh—Rangpur, Habiganj, and Pirojpur. These incidents reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse against some of the country’s most vulnerable individuals, highlighting the urgent need for systemic protection, legal accountability, and societal awareness.
Attempted Rape of a Woman with Disabilities in Rangpur’s Pirgacha
On Friday, April 11, a 27-year-old woman with speech and cognitive disabilities was the target of an attempted rape in Nagdah village under Parul Union of Pirgacha upazila, Rangpur district. The accused, Rezoan Ali (22), a local van driver, is the son of Ali Hossain from the same village.
According to the victim’s mother, she had left her daughter and elderly mother-in-law at home while working in a nearby cowshed. During this time, Rezoan allegedly entered their home and attempted to rape the woman. Hearing her screams, the mother and neighbors rushed in, but the accused fled through another door before they could stop him.
The victim’s mother further alleged that this was not the first time Rezoan had tried to assault her daughter and claimed he had a reputation for similar behavior in the area. She demanded exemplary punishment.
Abbas Ali, president of the disability rights organization Agragatra Protibondhi Odhikar Songstha, stated that the victim is a registered member of their organization and receives government disability allowances. He condemned the incident and called for legal action that would set a precedent, ensuring that no one dares to commit such crimes against women with disabilities in the future.
Rezoan has remained in hiding since the incident, and his version of events could not be obtained.
Pirgacha Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Md. Nahid Hasan confirmed that the victim had come to the station and that legal proceedings were underway.
Elderly Man Arrested for Raping Disabled Woman in Habiganj
On the same day, Friday evening, police arrested 60-year-old Ruhul Amin from Bir Singh Para village in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj district for allegedly raping a 30-year-old woman with multiple disabilities, including physical, mental, and speech impairments.
The arrest was made under the leadership of Golam Mostufa, in-charge of the Kashimnagar police outpost.
According to the victim’s mother, who filed the case, the incident occurred on April 8 around 10 p.m. when she and her husband had moved to a nearby room, leaving their daughter alone. Taking advantage of the situation, Ruhul Amin entered the house and allegedly raped the woman. Her screams alerted her parents, who rushed in, but the perpetrator fled the scene.
Habiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the arrest and said the victim had been sent for medical examination to the Habiganj 250-bed District Sadar Hospital.
Pirojpur: Attempted Rape of a 4th Grade Disabled Schoolgirl
In another disturbing incident, a fourth-grade student with intellectual disabilities was the target of an attempted rape in Swarupkathi upazila of Pirojpur district. The accused, 55-year-old Mohidul Islam, a fisherman by profession, is a resident of Bharatkathi village under Guaikha Union.
The incident took place on Tuesday, April 8. The girl’s mother filed a complaint with the Swarupkathi police station on Friday, April 11.
According to the complaint, the child, who studies at a nearby primary school, was on her way to her maternal grandfather’s house when Mohidul allegedly lured her into his home and attempted to assault her. Her cries for help alerted nearby residents, who rescued her and brought her home.
The victim’s mother claimed that she informed local community elders and sought justice but received no assistance. She added that her family lives in a makeshift shelter on government land by the river and has no permanent home, which may be why their pleas are often ignored.
Village watchman Sattya Ranjan Bapari confirmed he visited the girl’s home after hearing about the incident and advised the family to file a formal complaint with the police. “The family is extremely poor and vulnerable,” he said.
Efforts to speak to the accused were unsuccessful, as he was not at home, and his mobile phone was found switched off.
Swarupkathi Police Station OC Md. Bani Amin confirmed that a written complaint had been received and that a sub-inspector from the Patikelbari police outpost had been assigned to investigate. Legal action will be taken upon completion of the investigation.
A Grievous Violation of Human Dignity
These three separate but deeply connected incidents raise serious concerns about the safety, rights, and dignity of women with disabilities in Bangladesh. Each case sheds light not only on individual acts of violence but also on the structural vulnerabilities that expose disabled women and girls to heightened risk—poverty, isolation, lack of legal protection, and systemic neglect.
The victims’ families, mostly from marginalized backgrounds, often struggle alone in seeking justice, facing social stigma and institutional indifference. In some cases, community elders ignore pleas for help, and legal action is delayed or obstructed.
These incidents underscore the critical need for a nationwide framework to ensure the protection and empowerment of people with disabilities, especially women and children. Legal accountability, community-based monitoring, prompt police intervention, and widespread public awareness are vital in preventing such abuse.
Publication Date: 18 April. 2025
Reports published in various newspapers on this issue: deshtv, deshrupantor. kalbela
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