Man accused of raping 9-year-old niece in Bagerhat

A 9-year-old child was raped allegedly by her uncle in the Mathabhanga area of Bagerhat sadar upazila yesterday (14 July).

The accused, Faisal Sheikh, 40, is the cousin of the child's mother. Since the incident, he has been absconding.

Confirming the matter to The Business Standard today (15 July), Bagerhat Model Police Station Officer-In-Charge (OC) Md Mahmud-ul-Hasan said, "The child is currently receiving treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital."

The OC added, "No formal complaint has yet been filed by the family, but information on the accused has been collected and operations are ongoing to apprehend him."

Dr Md Shamim Hasan, in-charge of the One-Stop Crisis Center at Khulna Medical College Hospital, said, "Preliminary examinations have found evidence of rape. Initially, it is suspected that the child was sexually assaulted. We believe she was forcibly raped."

According to the child's family, yesterday afternoon, the mother and aunt of the two girls, aged 4 and 9, left them at home to buy food at the local market. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Faisal entered the house.

Upon their return, they found the 9-year-old child writhing in pain, with blood flowing from her body.

She was immediately rushed to a local clinic and then the Upazila Health Complex. Due to her critical condition, the victim was transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital that night.

Family members are demanding the maximum penalty for the perpetrator involved in this heinous act.