5 arrested over Cumilla's Muradnagar rape, circulation of video 

Police have arrested the main accused in the alleged rape of an expatriate's wife in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla, along with four others who recorded and circulated a video of the incident on social media.

The main accused, Fojor Ali, 38, was arrested at 5am today (29 June) from the Sayedabad area of Dhaka, confirmed Cumilla Superintendent of Police Nazir Ahmed Khan. 

Fojor is from Baherchar Pachkitta village in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla. The other arrestees—Anik, Sumon, Ramzan, and Babu—are also from the same village.

The victim had reportedly been staying at her parents' home with her children for about 15 days. On the night of 26 June, Fojor broke into the house when other family members were away and raped her. She later filed a case under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act at Muradnagar police station.

Following the complaint, police launched a drive to arrest Fojor Ali. Earlier, the four individuals who spread the video on social media were arrested.

"The video went viral, sparking outrage on social media and demands for swift arrests of those involved," SP Nazir said.

Meanwhile, the High Court (HC) has directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove all videos of the Muradnagar rape incident circulating on social media within 24 hours. The court also ordered that the victim be provided adequate security and medical treatment.

These directives were issued by a HC bench comprising Justice Fahmida Khatun and Justice Syed Zahid Mansur following a writ petition hearing. Authorities have been instructed to submit a progress report on the investigation by 14 July, the date of the next hearing.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the government is treating the recent rape incident in Cumilla's Muradnagar with the highest level of seriousness so that the perpetrators can be brought to book.

"Like any ordinary citizen, we are deeply shocked and outraged by the incident in Muradnagar. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already taken immediate action," he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy yesterday.

Asif Nazrul added, "The act of circulating such images is not only irresponsible but a serious criminal offence. You are aware that we have amended laws related to rape. We have seen justice served in previous cases, such as the one in Magura. Similarly, we are fully committed to ensuring justice in this case and will treat it with the utmost importance."

 Allegations of political affiliation

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that attempts were being made to blame his party for the incident.

"There was a sinister attempt to tarnish our party's image by falsely blaming us, while the rape was committed by an Awami League leader," Rizvi said at a press briefing at the BNP's Nayapaltan office yesterday.

He accused the Awami League of orchestrating a smear campaign against the BNP for 15 years and continuing it through incidents like this.

Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud posted on Facebook blaming political patronage, saying, "All those providing shelter, rehabilitation, and empowerment to Awami League-backed terrorists in Muradnagar—who abuse, extort, and rape innocent people—are responsible for today's situation." 

He warned that unless powerful masterminds are held accountable, the situation could worsen.

Muradnagar UP member Abdur Rob said Fojor Ali was involved in Awami League politics and had previously attempted misconduct with two other women. "He has become wealthy through yaba trading and robbery. He deserves exemplary punishment," Abdur Rob said.

Another villager added that Fojor Ali tries to benefit by taking photos with people from various political parties.