RAB arrests 3 over harassment of female journalist in Banasree
The force started an investigation right away while several teams from RAB Headquarters and RAB 3 launched operations to capture the accused
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has detained three suspects, including the prime accused, in connection with the harassment of a female journalist and her brother in Dhaka's Banasree area last night (2 April).
The arrestees have been identified as prime accused Shoyeb Rahman, 25, Md Raisul Islam, 21, and Md Kawsar Hossain, 21, according to a press release issued by the force.
Sanad Barua, senior assistant superintendent of police (media) of RAB-3, also confirmed that the trio was held from different areas of the capital between last night and this morning (3 April) after a post detailing the harassment went viral on social media.
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The force started an investigation right away while several teams from RAB Headquarters and RAB 3 launched operations to capture the accused.
The three were arrested from different parts of the capital -- Jishan from Meradia, Raisul from Bailey Road, and Kawsar from Gendaria – with help from intelligence reports and technology, according to the release.
The arrestees were later handed over to Rampura police station for appropriate legal action in line with the case filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000.
Last night, Rafia Tamanana, an editorial assistant at the English daily New Age, and her brother were assaulted after confronting a group of youths who had allegedly been following her near their home in the Banasree area.
The victim described the incident in a post on her Facebook account, triggering widespread criticism over the safety of women.
"Three to four youths emerged from the shop, followed me, and stood next to me. When my brother intervened, they assaulted him and began beating him," she said.
Rafia also said she was attacked and beaten by the group when she tried to protect her brother.
"People in the area just watched the scene like spectators, and no one came forward to our aid. The attackers even called for reinforcements to form a mob," she added.
Rafia explained that both she and her brother fled the scene to escape further harm. "I'm not safe in my own neighbourhood?" she lamented.
Later, she filed the case with Rampura police over the incident.
