MJF protests killing of teenage girl in Narsingdi, demands justice
In a statement today (27 February), the organisation said, 'The incident once again demonstrates that the safety of women and children in the country remains under severe threat'
The Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has protested the killing of a 15-year-old girl in Narsingdi and demanded justice for the victim and punishment for those responsible.
In a statement today (27 February), the organisation said, "The incident once again demonstrates that the safety of women and children in the country remains under severe threat."
MJF also called for immediate protection for the girl's family and urged the newly elected government to fulfil its election pledge to ensure justice for all and protect women and children.
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Yesterday, police recovered the body of the girl lying in a mustard field between Bilpar and Darikandi area under Mahishasura union in sadar upazila.
According to police, the girl's mother filed a case with Madhabdi Police Station last night, naming nine people as accused in the murder.
Police arrested five of the named accused the same night.
The arrested individuals are former member of Ward No 9 of Mahishasura Union Parishad and vice-president of the union BNP, Ahmad Ali Dewan, 65, his son Imran Dewan, 32, Md Ebadullah, 35, Ayub Ali, 30, and Md Gaffar, 37.
Quoting the case statement, police said the girl had been in contact with a local youth known as Nura, who was allegedly associated with local miscreants.
Fifteen days ago, Nura and five to six others abducted and raped her.
Seeking justice, the family approached Ahmad Ali Dewan. However, they did not receive any remedy.
The accused youths reportedly became enraged after the complaint was lodged.
On 25 February night, the girl's father was taking her to her aunt's house for safety.
When they reached the Bilpar area, Nura and five others allegedly abducted her from her father. Despite searching throughout the night, the family could not locate her.
Meanwhile, in Dhaka's West Ulon area, the body of a six-year-old girl was recovered from stagnant water in the lift shaft of an under-construction building.
Relatives alleged that she had been abused and killed before being dumped there.
The family claimed police initially hesitated to file a case, which was later accepted around 11pm after locals besieged the station.
Citing data from Ain o Salish Kendra, MJF said that last month 35 children were subjected to various forms of violence and abuse and 25 were killed.
On average, nearly one child becomes a victim of such crimes every day.
MJF said only exemplary punishment for such crimes can prevent future offenders and help establish justice and dignity for women in society, adding that now is the time to speak out against injustice.
