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Published : 09 Mar 2025, 12:56 PM
Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured women that they are free to carry out their responsibilities at home and abroad without fear or restriction and warned that anyone who interferes with them will face legal consequences.
He made the statement at the Combined Military Hospital in the Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday morning while visiting a child who was allegedly raped in Magura.
The 8-year-old girl was allegedly raped when she went to visit her sister’s house in Nijnanduali village in the Magura suburbs on Thursday afternoon.
A press release from the home ministry said, "The advisor inquired about the child's treatment and directed the hospital authorities to ensure the highest level of medical care."
This follows Jahangir's comments on Mar 6, the day of the incident, when he contacted the child's mother to enquire about her and promised that the government would provide the best possible medical treatment.
The victim's family said that she was initially taken to Magura Sadar Hospital. As her condition worsened, she was transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. On Friday morning, she was moved to Dhaka for advanced treatment.
She has since been transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital to the Combined Military Hospital.
The child’s mother started a case at Magura Sadar Police Station on Saturday, accusing the suspects of rape and attempted murder, according to the district's Additional Superintendent of Police Mirajul Islam.
The accused include the child's brother-in-law Sojib Hossain, 18, his father Hitu Mia, 42, Sojib's brother Ratul Sheikh, 17, and their mother Jabeda Begum, 40. All four have been arrested, said Mirajul.
Regarding the incident, Jahangir said, "The Ministry of Home Affairs is vocal about ensuring that the guilty are not spared in any way."
He claimed to have instructed law enforcement officers to adopt a tough approach, particularly regarding the harassment and rape of women.
“I have instructed them to quickly investigate all the cases of violence against women so far, and submit a report listing them to the court,” he added.
He emphasised the significance of bringing the culprits responsible for the recent rape crimes to trial, saying, "Women will be able to carry out their responsibilities at home and outside without fear or disturbance. Those who interfere with them or commit violence will face legal consequences. There will be no leniency on this matter.”
He urged everyone to be alert and vocal on the topic of violence against women, saying: "We all need to cherish family, social, and moral values."
