Protests erupted across Bangladesh after an eight-year-old girl, who was a victim of rape, succumbed to her injuries on Thursday. The incident, which took place in Magura while the child was visiting her elder sister’s home, has reignited discussions about the safety and legal protections for women and children in the country.
The girl was allegedly raped by her 18-year-old brother-in-law, who, along with three family members, has been arrested. Following the announcement of her death, a furious crowd set fire to the house where the crime reportedly occurred. The child had been hospitalized for six days after suffering three cardiac arrests and was declared dead at approximately 1:00 PM local time.
The aftermath of her death saw thousands gathering for her funeral prayer, or namaz-e-janaza, in Magura, as well as protests at Dhaka University, where students highlighted the need for swifter justice for rape victims and comprehensive legislative reforms. Protesters specifically voiced their concern over the ambiguity surrounding the legal definitions of rape in Bangladesh, which they argue impedes justice for victims.
Legal experts have indicated that the trial for the case may begin within a week, contingent on the processing of DNA evidence, which has already been collected. The laws concerning the punishment of child rape, which now mandate death sentences, were enacted in 2020 following a string of publicized sexual violence cases.
However, the horrors of child rape persist in Bangladesh, where, according to reports, there were over 3,438 documented cases in the last eight years, with victims often being familiar with their attackers. The recent incident is part of a disturbing trend that has led to increased activism and calls for immediate action from the government to enhance protections for the most vulnerable members of society.
