The horrific incident took place earlier this month in Magura, where the young girl was allegedly raped by a family member while visiting her older sister’s home. The child suffered severe trauma and was rushed to multiple hospitals in a desperate attempt to save her life. Despite battling for six days, she tragically passed away on Thursday afternoon.
The girl’s death sparked intense protests, with students and women leading the charge across the country. Demonstrators gathered in large numbers, calling for swift justice and an end to the systemic failure to protect women and children. In Magura, locals stormed the suspect’s house, setting it ablaze, while thousands gathered for the girl’s final prayer before burial.
The victim’s mother, devastated by the loss, shared her grief with reporters: “I thought my daughter would survive. If she had made it through, I would never have let her go anywhere alone again.”
Authorities have arrested the victim’s sister’s father-in-law, Hitu Sheikh, who has confessed to the crime, admitting that he raped the girl after finding her alone in a room. Additionally, several other family members, including the victim’s sister’s mother-in-law, husband, and brother-in-law, have been arrested and are in police custody.
This tragic case has drawn widespread criticism of Bangladesh’s outdated legal system, which many activists argue fails to protect victims of sexual violence. Currently, the country follows colonial-era laws that narrowly define rape, excluding other forms of sexual assault. There is also growing demand for swift and clear legal reforms to expedite justice and provide clearer definitions of rape.
At Dhaka University, students held protests demanding justice for the victim, defying police bans on public demonstrations. “Bangladesh needs better laws for the safety of women and children. We need clear definitions of rape and faster legal processes to ensure justice is served quickly,” said Rita Das, a student involved in the protests.
Reports from human rights organizations highlight the disturbing rise in sexual violence in Bangladesh, with over 5,600 cases of rape involving minors recorded in the past decade. This year alone, at least 52 children have been victims of rape, according to Ain o Salish Kendra, a human rights group. Activists stress that many cases go unreported due to fear of social stigma and a culture of impunity that shields perpetrators, particularly those with powerful connections.
The protests have also put pressure on the government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, to take more decisive action. Critics accuse the administration of failing to curb the rise in crime and ensure the safety of vulnerable citizens, especially women and children.
