‘Rape cases languish under Hasina’s tenure’

Staff Correspondent :

Afroza Abbas, the president of the Nationalist Women’s Party, stated that the increase in rape incidents in the country is entirely the responsibility of Sheikh Hasina. She mentioned that during the last 17 years of Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, none of the gang rape cases were properly prosecuted. The perpetrators of these crimes were rewarded. As a result, rape and other criminal activities have increased. If the rape case of Ashiya had been properly prosecuted, the country would not have witnessed so many rape incidents in succession. She emphasized that these barbarians would never become human unless they are punished.
Afroza Abbas made these remarks after meeting with the family of a victimized child from Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, on Sunday. The child had been a victim of an attempted rape incident. She said that BNP leader Tarique Rahman had instructed her to visit the family and showed solidarity on behalf of him and the party.
Afroza expressed hope that the government would soon take action and ensure justice for Ashiya’s case. She reminded that in the past, BNP leader Khaleda Zia had ensured justice in a similar case in Narayanganj by executing the rapist, Monir, through legal processes. She stressed that if Sheikh Hasina had taken similar action, the situation today would not have been the same. She insisted that the justice for Ashiya should be swiftly delivered without delay and that the criminals should be executed publicly. She also stated that if rape perpetrators are executed publicly, others will learn a lesson. She suggested that, if necessary, Islamic law could be used to carry out the punishment, as Islam prescribes stoning the rapist in public. The punishment must be carried out publicly, no matter the law. The former MP of Narayanganj-4, Mohammad Giasuddin, Narayanganj District BNP joint convenor Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, and other local BNP leaders were present during the visit.
It is worth noting that on March 14, 2025, a child from Siddhirganj was almost raped by Selim, a local shopkeeper, who attempted to lure her into his shop with the promise of chocolates. The child screamed, and locals intervened, beating up the accused before police arrested him.