BUP student rape: One suspect remanded for 2 days following arrest from Tejgaon
BUP condemns the “brutal and heinous” assault, vows full cooperation for justice
A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for Mithu Biswas, 35, who was arrested in connection with the rape of a former Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) student in Savar.
Senior Judicial Magistrate Tajul Islam Sohag passed the order today (19 October).
Savar Model Police Sub-Inspector Md Abdul Wahab, the investigation officer of the case, produced the accused before the court seeking a seven-day remand for further interrogation, according to court sources.
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In his remand plea, the investigation officer stated that the accused had already provided some information regarding the incident and knew the whereabouts of two other fugitives named in the case.
However, he was allegedly withholding crucial information. The officer said the suspect's police custody was necessary for extracting further details and apprehending the remaining accused.
Earlier in the morning, police arrested Mithu during a raid in the Tejkunipara area of Tejgaon, Dhaka.
The other accused are Sohel Rozario (37) and Biplob Rozario (40). Sohel has been accused of raping the girl, while Mithu and Biplob allegedly assisted in the crime.
BUP condemns
Meanwhile, in an official statement signed by the BUP proctor, the university expressed deep shock and condemnation over the incident, reaffirming its commitment to justice and student safety.
"We are deeply shocked by the brutal and heinous act committed against one of our former students," the statement read.
Upon learning of the incident, the BUP authorities immediately contacted all relevant law enforcement and security agencies to ensure proper action, it said.
"The BUP family remains firmly committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and justice of all its students," the statement added.
JU Chhatra Dal sit-in protest
The Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal staged a sit-in protest, demanding the arrest and swift trial of those involved in the incident.
The programme was held at 4pm today (19 October) at the base of the university's Central Shaheed Minar.
During the protest, activists were seen holding posters, festoons, and placards bearing slogans such as, "Ensure punishment for rapists without delay," "We demand justice for rape," "Ensure women's safety," "Hang the rapist," and "A rapist can never be human."
According to the case statement, on the evening of 14 October, the 25-year-old victim, a former BUP student, returned to her Savar residence after giving private tuition, only to find the door locked.
She later learned that her mother had left the key with a nearby tea stall. After collecting the key and heading home, the victim was approached by Sohel Rozario, who started questioning her.
Shortly afterwards, Sohel met the two other accused, and together they followed her.
At around 7pm, Sohel allegedly forced the woman into his house, where he raped her, while the other two assisted him. The case statement further said that Sohel threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.
The victim filed a case on Thursday night (16 October) under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act against the three men at Savar Model Police Station.
