Ctg child rights bodies demand justice in domestic worker Rahima’s 2019 rape case

Human rights and child rights organisations based in Chattogram have demanded swift action and justice in the 2019 rape case of 14-year-old domestic worker Rahima from Chandgaon.

Speakers at a press conference this morning (31 May) also sought justice in all cases of violence against women and children.

During the conference, organised at the Chattogram Press Club, they presented a written statement detailing the events of 22 July 2019, when an NGO official Mahabubur Rahman allegedly held captive and raped Rahima at his residence. 

Rahima had reported sexual abuse via the government child helpline 1098. Based on her complaint, officials from the Department of Social Services, Chattogram District Office, rescued her from a locked room.

Later on 23 July 2019, Rahima's mother Bibi Johura filed a rape case at Chandgaon Police Station.

The case is currently under trial at the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-5, in the witness examination stage. 

Labour leader and Vice President of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Jatiyobadi Sramik Dal AKM Nazim Uddin, said justice can be ensured if the trial process begins under the specific laws protecting children's rights. 

"Securing justice in Rahima's case would deter other offenders."

Advocate Jannatul Ferdous Riku, a child rights activist and president of the Bangladesh Jatiyobadi Mahila Dal of Chattogram South District, said alongside demanding swift trials in all child abuse cases, they called for justice and punishment for the accused Mahabub.

Yasmin Parveen, member of the central committee of Bangladesh Shishu Odhikar Forum and executive director of Jugantar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha, said, "Such a heinous act by someone from the development sector is a disgrace to all working in this field. 

"There must be a swift trial and exemplary punishment to ensure no one else dares to commit such crimes."