A court has sentenced a man to life and a fine of Tk2 lakh for raping a minor in Banderpara village of Shaltigopalpur union in the Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur 11 years after he committed the crime.
Justice Jabid Hussain of Women and Children Repression Prevention Court-1 in Rangpur gave the verdict on Monday afternoon.
Other than that, the justice recognizing the rapist as the father of the child and has also instructed the state to support the victim’s child till he comes of age.
According to court statements, Asadul Islam physically assaulted the teenage daughter of Sultan Mia of Banderpara village on June 3, 2007. Later, the teenager became pregnant.
After the incident became known among the villagers, a kangaroo court was called where the rapist Asadul was asked to marry the girl. Upon his denial, the girl lodged a complaint at Mithapur police station under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
Special Public Prosecutor of Rangpur District and Sessions court Rafique Hasnain, who represented the state, said: “This was a landmark verdict as the court not only provided a life sentence against the rapist after 11 years, but also instructed the state to provide child support for the victim’s child.
“On the one hand, this verdict gave legitimacy to the victim’s child, and on the other hand, the rapist received strict
punishment,” said Rafique. “Justice was provided in this case.”
Meanwhile, defense lawyer Emdadul Haque said that an appeal will be lodged in the High Court against the
verdict.
The victim’s father Sultan Mia expressed his satisfaction at the verdict.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
