Five Officials Suspended After Teenage Resident Impregnated at Faridpur State-Run Girls Home
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Authorities in Faridpur have launched a formal investigation after a 14-year-old girl residing at a state-run children’s home became pregnant, prompting the suspension of five staff members for negligence. The incident, which was reportedly suppressed until recently, has sparked widespread concern regarding the security and oversight of the facility.
The case emerged after the teenager, who is a sixth-grade student at a local school and is identified as having a developmental disability, began exhibiting physical health complications. Following a medical examination on July 6, doctors confirmed that the girl was 27 weeks pregnant. According to the police report, the victim alleged that she was lured by a local tailor, 54-year-old Md. Wahid Sheikh, who allegedly assaulted her while she was commuting between her school and the state home. The suspect reportedly coerced the girl on multiple occasions after initially gaining her trust with gifts of candy.
Following the disclosure of the pregnancy, the assistant director of the Faridpur Department of Social Services, Mohammad Arif Hossain, filed a criminal case against the suspect at the Kotwali Police Station. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest of Md. Wahid Sheikh on Wednesday, and he has since been remanded to judicial custody.
In response to the security lapse, the Department of Social Services has suspended five employees, including an assistant superintendent, a computer operator, a matron, and two attendants, citing severe dereliction of duty. Mo. Saiful Islam, a deputy secretary and director at the department, confirmed the disciplinary actions. Officials stated that the victim has been relocated to a specialized government shelter for women and children to ensure her safety and continued care under court supervision.
The incident has caused significant public outcry in Faridpur, where the state-run home has operated for decades. While long-term residents and former staff note that the facility has maintained a safe environment since the installation of boundary walls years ago, this breach has raised urgent questions regarding the protocols protecting vulnerable minors currently under state guardianship.
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