Rapist gets bail upon agreeing to marry victim

A rapist has been granted bail under condition of marrying the victim in Feni.

Zahirul Islam Zia, 21, had been arrested for raping an 18 year-old girl from a neighboring house in Chardarbesh village of Sonagazi upazila of Feni.

After granting Zia bail for consenting to marry the victim, Feni district jail authorities were given the responsibility of arranging the wedding.

Jail official Shahdat Hossain confirmed the matter to the media on Wednesday.

Also Read - 2 arrested on charges of raping, impregnating teenager in Feni

Zia had been involved in a romantic affair with the girl prior to the incident. On May 27, he forced the girl into his house and raped her.

Following the incident, a case was filed against Zia. He was subsequently arrested and sent to jail.

Speaking about the court’s decision, Feni court Public Prosecutor Ed Hafeez Ahmed said the court probably took the best decision under the circumstances, considering the interests of all parties.

He said, however, that the High Court may not necessarily entertain such outcomes again in the future, and might take a stricter stance on such cases.  

Meanwhile, Zia’s father expressed delight at the court’s decision and said that his family is eagerly waiting to welcome their soon-to-be daughter-in-law.