A woman, allegedly gang-raped by ruling party activists in Gazipur, claimed that she is living in fear as the alleged rapists are influential and the local law enforcement officials are also taking their side.
The 24-year-old daughter of a freedom fighter claimed that she was deceived and trapped by one Arefin Khan Midul, 30, a BCL activist, who allegedly raped her at different times.
She was also raped by Midul's aides, she claimed at a press conference held at the Crime Reporters' Association of
Bangladesh in the capital's Segun Bagicha yesterday.
She used to work as a nurse at a hospital abroad for two years before returning to the country in 2016. Her husband died in 2014.
She said she met Midul at a programme eight months back and developed a relationship with him.
Midul allegedly raped her on November 25, 2016 at a house in Telipara.
Later, he told her to settle the issue with the "intervention" of a local leader Rakib Sarker, 32, a former member of the BCL central committee.
She claimed that she went to Rakib's house on February 19 where Midul and two of his friends Roni, 35, and Nazmul, 27, were present. Nazmul is the vice president of Gazipur city BCL unit.
They told her that they would take her to a marriage registrar's office. As she got in a car with them, the trio started beating her.
The trio allegedly raped her when she, at one stage, lost consciousness. When she regained her senses, she also found three others - Alamgir, Polin and Dipu along with the three. FROM PAGE 4
They took her to Rakib's house where Midul raped her again.
Later, on February 20, they came to her house and picked her up. She was confined to an unknown place for three days.
Midul also threatened to expose some of her pictures he had in his possession. She also alleged that Midul and Roni earlier took hefty amount of money from her.
She also claimed OC Aminul Islam of Joydebpur Police Station at first did not want to file a case, but later filed the case on April 27, accusing eight persons after being instructed by the superintendent of police in Gazipur.
"The OC termed me a bad girl," she claimed. "Police are now forcing my family to withdraw Rakib Sarker's name from the case and settle the issue outside."
Asked, the OC denied her claim and said he did not even meet her directly.
Frightened, she is now staying outside her house. She alleged that police went to her house on Wednesday night and threatened her parents to tell her to come to the police station.
Contacted, Abul Kashem, an inspector of the police station, and also the case's investigation officer, said the allegations against them were false. He said he went to the woman's house as he needed information about the case. "We have already arrested Midul in this connection and looking for the others," the IO said.
"There are also allegations of harassment against her," he said.
This correspondent could not get in touch with the woman despite repeated attempts as her phone was found switched off.
Contacted, Rakib Sarker, also an accused in
the case, said, "She called me on my phone for my help to resolve the issue. Since it was a personal matter I tried to solve it by arranging a discussion between the woman and Midul."
"But the allegation against me that I'm pressuring the woman to settle the issue is false."
Rakib also alleged that it might be a "political game" by his opponents to tarnish his image.
Contacted, Touhidul Islam Dip, secretary of Gazipur city BCL unit, confirmed the identities of the BCL activists and leaders.
"We have decided to form a three-member committee to look into the issue." He said if found guilty, organisational action will be taken against the accused, reports our Gazipur correspondent.
The woman's father and brothers refused to make any comment regarding the issue.