Family Rejects Village Arbitration After Teenager Allegedly Raped by Cousin in Nasirnagar

NASIRNAGAR, Bangladesh — Authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged rape of a teenage girl in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, after a local arbitration council attempted to resolve the matter with a lenient penalty that the victim’s family has formally rejected.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old cosmetics trader Jahidul Islam, remains at large following the incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday night. According to the victim’s family, the teenager was lured to an abandoned house near her home, where she was assaulted. The suspect allegedly threatened to kill the victim if she disclosed the incident.

After the victim confided in her older sister, the family confronted the suspect on Sunday morning. The victim’s brother reported that the suspect responded with physical aggression and further threats of violence. Following these events, local village leaders convened a meeting on Monday morning in the presence of Sheikh Fahima Begum, a reserved-seat member of the local Union Parishad. The council concluded the hearing by ordering the suspect to perform seven “uthbosh” — a local form of penance involving squatting while holding one’s ears.

The victim’s family expressed outrage at the verdict, labeling the punishment as an attempt to cover up the crime. “I am not satisfied with this ruling and have rejected it,” the victim’s brother stated. “I am seeking justice and intend to file a formal legal case.”

Acting Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Nasirnagar Police Station, Mohammad Shahinul Islam, confirmed that police have directed the family to file a formal complaint. “We have sent the teenager to Brahmanbaria General Hospital for a medical examination,” the OC said. “Our teams are currently working to locate and arrest the suspect.”

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Medical staff at Brahmanbaria General Hospital confirmed that samples have been collected for forensic analysis. A final medical report is pending, which will be critical in confirming the assault.

When contacted, Union Parishad member Sheikh Fahima Begum distanced herself from the arbitration outcome, claiming the decision was made by a collective of villagers and that she was not a witness to the alleged crime.

The suspect, Jahidul Islam, has since gone into hiding, and his mobile phone has been switched off. Law enforcement officials have stated that the investigation remains active as they pursue the suspect.