Local arbitration settles rape case in Habiganj with financial compensation instead of legal action

MADHABPUR, Bangladesh — Local community leaders in Madhabpur, Habiganj, have allegedly brokered an out-of-court settlement in a rape case, pressuring the victim’s family to accept financial compensation instead of pursuing legal action. As of Tuesday, no formal complaint has been filed with the police regarding the incident.

The incident centers on an allegation against 25-year-old Hanif Miah, who is accused of raping a teenage girl on August 20. According to the victim’s family, the suspect lured the girl into his home while other household members were away. Following the incident, the victim was admitted to the Habiganj 250-Bed District Hospital, where she remained until her discharge on August 23.

A mediation session, known as a shalish, was held last Friday, led by Union Parishad (UP) member Abedur Rahman. The meeting was also attended by former UP Chairman Jamal Miah of the neighboring Haripur Union in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, along with other local residents. During the proceedings, it was decided that the victim’s family would receive 90,000 taka in compensation. The family reportedly received an initial payment of 20,000 taka, with the remaining 70,000 taka promised by September 10.

The victim’s mother stated that she had intended to pursue legal action but was blocked by local village elders who insisted on a monetary settlement.

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Defending the mediation, UP member Abedur Rahman claimed the incident was an attempted rape rather than a completed offense. He argued that the financial constraints of both families necessitated a local resolution to avoid the burden of litigation. “Not everything is handled through the law,” Rahman said, noting that both parties are day laborers lacking the means to afford legal representation.

Former UP Chairman Jamal Miah did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Madhabpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sohel Rana confirmed that no formal report had been lodged with the authorities as of Tuesday. The OC stated that police are investigating the reports of the illegal mediation and emphasized that the department remains ready to provide legal assistance should the victim’s family come forward. Under Bangladeshi law, serious criminal offenses such as rape cannot be legally settled through local mediation or financial payments.