OUR CORRESPONDENT, Barishal

Members of the Hijra community came to the rescue of an 18-year-old girl during an attempted rape in Rasulpur Char of Barishal City Corporation’s Ward-9 on Tuesday.

The victim, an HSC candidate, was reportedly attacked while returning home after shopping.

According to the case filed by her mother with Kotwali Model Police Station the next day, one Md Sohel Chowkidar, who had allegedly been harassing the girl for some time, dragged her to a pond embankment and began sexually assaulting her in an attempt to rape her. When she tried to escape, around five others, believed to be Sohel’s associates, joined him in attacking her.

The girl eventually managed to flee and inform her parents. Her father confronted Sohel, but around half an hour later, Sohel and his associates stormed the victim’s house, hacked her father, and attempted to assault her again.

Hearing the commotion, members of the local Hijra community rushed to the scene and rescued the injured father and the girl. Sohel at that time managed to flee the scene. They took the victims to a hospital and informed law enforcers.

Later, the Hijra community members tracked Sohel down, detained him and handed him over to the police.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Kabori Hijra, leader of the Barishal Hijra community, said, “We were holding a regional meeting nearby when we heard the screams. Our people rushed to the

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