A human rights organization strongly criticized the violence and threats faced by a teenage girl’s family in Bangladesh’s Noakhali district. This came after they accused a madrasa superintendent of attempted rape. The Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) expressed concern over the family’s ordeal, emphasizing the need for protection.
According to reports, the family was coerced by a group to withdraw the case, leading to an attack on their home. The MJF labeled this as an abuse of power and a failure of justice. The organization highlighted the chilling effect such incidents have on survivors and their families in seeking legal recourse.
The MJF stressed the importance of the state safeguarding survivors and their families, urging for the arrest and prosecution of the accused. The executive director of MJF, Shaheen Anam, emphasized the necessity of justice through legal channels, not through social pressure or compromises.
The victim’s father had filed a case against the madrasa superintendent for attempting to rape his 14-year-old daughter. Subsequently, the family faced a violent attack, with around 100 individuals vandalizing their home. The MJF called for swift action, including ensuring the safety of the survivor and her family, arresting the perpetrators, and conducting a transparent investigation.
The organization also demanded measures to prevent informal settlements or obstructions in the case, advocating for enhanced monitoring in educational institutions. Expressing solidarity with the survivor, the MJF reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all children.
