Nation Mourns Death of 8-Year-Old Rape Victim in Bangladesh, Protests Erupt
Magura Bangladesh – Bangladesh is facing widespread public anger and protests following the death of an eight-year-old girl who succumbed to injuries sustained after being raped.
The young girl was reportedly attacked while visiting her older sister’s home in Magura city. According to a police report filed by her mother and cited by the BBC, the incident occurred on the night of March 5th and 6th.
Police have arrested the sister’s 18-year-old husband, along with his parents and brother, in connection with the crime. They are currently being held in custody.
Tragically, the child passed away on Thursday at approximately 7 pm local time. A statement from the government’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department indicated that she suffered three cardiac arrests. While doctors were initially able to stabilize her twice, her heart could not be restarted after the final episode.
The Chief Adviser to the government, Mohammad Yunus, expressed his profound sadness over the incident and has directed authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay, according to The Daily Star newspaper.
Mother’s Heartbreak and Public Outcry
The victim’s mother, overwhelmed with grief, had believed her daughter would recover. Local media quoted her saying that if her daughter had survived, she would never have allowed her to go anywhere alone again.
The girl’s body was transported back to Magura from the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment. Her arrival at the local stadium via army helicopter around 6 pm local time was met by large and emotional protests.
Thousands of people gathered in the public square of Magura to participate in the girl’s namaz-e-janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer, before her burial at 7:30 pm.
Anger Spills onto the Streets
News of the child’s death ignited widespread anger, leading to an angry mob gathering at the house where the alleged rape took place. The crowd reportedly set the building on fire.
In the capital city of Dhaka, at Dhaka University, protesters held a symbolic funeral prayer followed by a protest march. Female students also addressed the gathering.
Many demonstrators are demanding that the government act swiftly to deliver justice for victims of rape and to reform existing laws to better protect the safety of women and children.
Protesters also called for greater clarity in the legal definition of rape in Bangladesh, which they argue is currently not sufficiently clear.