Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) yesterday demanded justice for the woman in Noakhali's Subarnachar, who was raped after Sunday's upazila election. Her campaigning for an upazila vice chairman candidate, as reported earlier, made her the target of supporters of the rival candidate.

The rights organisation at a press conference expressed concern over the gang rape victim receiving justice, following a visit to the area by a five-member team of BMP the day before. They spoke to the victim at Noakhali General Hospital and the district civil surgeon. The team also met the district superintendent of police and the deputy commissioner, and handed them a memo-

randum seeking justice and protection of the woman, BMP said in a press statement.

The administration should be able to work without being politically influenced, said Ayesha Khanam, president of BMP.

The victim - a mother of six - told BMP that she campaigned forTajuddin Babar.

Supporters of his rival candidate Farhad Hossain Chowdhury Bahar hurled abuse at her on her way back home after casting vote.

As she and her husband set off for home on a motorbike later that evening, seven to eight people intercepted them and beat her husband up. Three people - Bechu Majhi, Fazlu and Abul Bashar - then raped her.

Both Farhad, winner in Sunday's polls, and Tajuddin, are supporters of Awami League.