Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has expressed deep concern over the abduction and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Narsingdi, who was reportedly targeted after seeking justice for sexual assault. The organization has urged authorities to take immediate legal action to hold the perpetrators accountable.
In a press release issued Friday, MJF highlighted that the incident underscores the severe threats to the safety of women and children in the country.
According to media reports, the girl was sexually assaulted 15 days ago by a group of five to six men led by a local criminal. When her family sought justice by approaching a former union council member, they were reportedly denied any remedy and allegedly asked to leave the area.
The victim’s father stated that his daughter was abducted right in front of him. After an extensive search, the family discovered her body on Thursday morning.
In a separate incident in the West Ulan area of Dhaka, the body of a six-year-old girl was recovered from water collected in the shaft of an under-construction building lift. Relatives and local residents alleged that the child had been sexually abused and then murdered, with her body left at the site. They also claimed that police initially delayed registering the case. The law enforcers bound to take action only after a local protest around 11 p.m.
Data from Ain o Salish Kendra revealed that 35 children suffered various forms of abuse and violence last month, while 25 children were killed, averaging nearly one child victim per day in each category.
MJF condemned such acts of brutality as completely unacceptable and urged the newly elected government to fulfill its electoral promises by ensuring justice for all and protecting the rights and safety of women and children. The organization also called for immediate security for the family of the Narsingdi victim.
“MJF strongly believes that exemplary punishment for these crimes is essential to deter future perpetrators and uphold justice and dignity for women in society. Now is the time to raise voices against such injustice,” the statement added.