Youth raped in Narayanganj: SAD allege attack by local BNP leaders for protesting 'rape cover-up'

Members of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) have alleged they were attacked by local BNP leaders after they protested their attempt to cover-up the rape of a youth in Bandar, Narayanganj, 

On 11 March, Rifaat Hossain Antu, senior joint secretary of the district committee of SAD, filed a written complaint with the Bandar Police Station, stating that the incident occurred the night before.

Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bandar Police Station Tarikul Islam said, "We have been informed about the incident. A representative from the Students Against Discrimination has filed a complaint. We are investigating the matter."

According to the complaint, a 20-year-old youth was allegedly raped in the Shahi Mosque area of Bandar. When the news of the incident spread in the area, local BNP leader Babu Shikdar and his followers attempted to cover it up. 

Upon hearing about this, members of SAD went to the office of the BNP to protest the cover-up. The BNP leaders and activists allegedly attacked them.

During the attack, SAD representatives Zubair and Shithil Bhuiyan were severely injured, said Nirab Raihan, convenor of the district committee of SAD.

Condemning the incident, Nirab said, "On Monday night, the student and public movement in Bandar protested a rape incident. In retaliation, BNP leader Babu Shikdar and his associates detained our senior joint secretary and several representatives and severely beat Shithil and Zubair, leaving them bloodied. We strongly condemn and protest this."

The Business Standard could not immediately reach BNP leader Babu Shikdar for his comment on the allegations.