Dhaka Serial Rapist Case Details

Police in Dhaka have provided detailed information regarding the arrest of Rashedul Islam Rabbi (30), who is accused of orchestrating a series of sexual assaults by deceiving young women through social media and false identities. The information was disclosed on Wednesday (15 April) during a press briefing by Deputy Commissioner Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami of the Wari Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

According to police statements, the accused allegedly created female profiles on Facebook and other online platforms to establish contact with women. He then built rapport and lured victims by claiming that gifts had been sent by their boyfriends. The victims were reportedly instructed to visit locations near relatives’ residences, where the accused would later arrange the handover of the supposed gifts.

When the victims arrived at the designated meeting points, Rabbi would contact them and claim that he was unwell. He would then inform them that a cousin or paternal cousin would arrive in his place. Police state that he himself would appear in disguise, posing as that relative.

Investigators further revealed that meetings were often arranged near metro stations, including areas under the Secretariat metro station. From these locations, victims were reportedly guided or transported, sometimes via CNG-run auto-rickshaws, to two concealed locations in the Dhania College area of Jatrabari. It was in these premises that the alleged assaults took place.

After the incidents, the victims’ mobile phones were reportedly seized. Before disposing of the devices, the accused is said to have gained control of their social media accounts, which were then allegedly used to target additional women. This method, according to police, enabled a repeated pattern of offences.

The investigation began on 9 March following a general diary filed by the first known victim. So far, 10 victims have been formally identified by law enforcement agencies. However, during interrogation, Rabbi reportedly admitted to having assaulted 13 women using the same method. Police also confirmed that there had been a prior case filed against him at Kadamtali Police Station.

Authorities further stated that the majority of the victims were residents of the Mirpur area. Concerns have also been raised that additional victims may exist who have not yet come forward due to fear of social stigma.

Police added that the accused had also allegedly entered into marriage through deception. He is currently facing three regular cases along with several general diaries.

Investigators are continuing to examine whether any associates or a wider organised group were involved in the offences.

Case Summary

Police have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing to determine the full extent of the offences and whether additional individuals were involved in facilitating the alleged crimes.