Tarana appoints 2001 post-election gangrape victim Purnima as personal officer

State Minister for Information Tarana Halim has appointed Purnima Rani Shil, a 2001 post-election gangrape victim, as her personal officer.

"I wanted to do something for the victims of BNP-Jamaat atrocities carried out after 2001 election. I found the post of my personal officer vacant, so I decided to appoint her," Tarana told bdnews24.com.

"She will be attending office from Thursday," she added.

"Purnima is a girl of her own convictions. She has self-confidence. I asked her to blur the picture on Facebook after her appointment, but she said there is no need to blur it as it is not a shame for her."

Tarana, who was recently transferred from the telecom ministry to information in a cabinet reshuffle, said it was a bit difficult to find Purnima after so many years.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina provided her with financial support to continue her education, and after completing education, Purnima became a private music tutor in Dhaka.

She addresses the prime minister as 'Mamoni' or mother.

After the appointment, Tarana wrote on her Facebook page, "Do you remember Purnima? The 14-year-old who suffered from the worst atrocities unleashed by BNP-Jamaat adherents after their victory in the October 1 elections in 2001. Yes, I am talking about Purnima Shil of Sirajganj."

"I feel proud to appoint her as my 'personal officer' today. We did not forget you, Purnima! You saw the darkness of life; now you are welcome to the brighter side of life... start your new journey. Congratulations, dear Purnima," the state minister wrote in her emotion-laced post.

A wave of violence after the elections on Oct 1, 2001 hit many supporters of the then opposition Awami League and members of minority Hindu community, who suffered various forms of atrocities.

Purnima was one of those victims. Eleven people were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Tk 100,000 each on May 4, 2011, in Purnima gangrape case verdict.