Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) said that strict and exemplary punishment must be ensured to effectively prevent rape.
“Two names have surfaced in connection with the rape incident in Dumki, Patuakhali. One suspect has been arrested. We demand that the other accused be apprehended within the next 24 hours."
He added: "Furthermore, this is not an isolated case—the strictest measures must be implemented to prevent such crimes. The government is reportedly considering or has decided on amendments to the relevant laws. We urge that these changes be enacted without delay.”
He made these remarks on Thursday during a press conference held in the hall room of Patuakhali Medical College Hospital.
Prior to the conference, he visited the hospital to meet the daughter of a martyr from the July movement, who was subjected to assault in Dumki.
Several NCP leaders, including Abdul Hannan Masud and Dr Tasnim Zara, accompanied him during the Patuakhali visit.
At the press conference, Dr Tasnim Zara said: “It is unacceptable that perpetrators of such crimes roam freely while victims are left pleading for justice. This situation must change. The culprits must be identified and brought to trial. We must break free from the culture of impunity that has persisted in past years.”
Earlier in the day, at approximately 7:30pm, the daughter of an anti-discrimination movement martyr was raped in a secluded area of Dumki Upazila.
Her father was fatally shot during the July 20 movement in Dhaka.
Following the incident, the girl filed a case with Dumki police station.
Law enforcement has arrested one suspect, Sabik Munshi, 19, who has been sent to prison, while the other accused, Sifat, remains at large.
According to the police, efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspect.
Meanwhile, the victim is receiving medical treatment at the One-Stop Crisis Center of Patuakhali Government Medical College Hospital.
