Alleged Assault During Vote Canvassing

A housewife in Megha’s Potol village under Bhuapur upazila of Tangail has alleged that she was sexually assaulted when a group of men visited her home to canvass for votes. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, 9 February, and has since prompted legal proceedings and a police investigation.

According to a written complaint filed by the victim’s husband at the Tangail Joint District and Sessions Judge’s Court, four men from the same locality have been accused in connection with the incident. The accused are Shahidul (30), son of Ibrahim; Sohel (25), son of Anwar Hossain; Enamul (32), son of Ali Akbar Munshi; and Al Amin (30), son of Akbar Fakir.

Summary of Allegations

The complaint states that the four men visited the residence of Nazmul, a local resident, to seek votes in favour of the ‘Scales’ electoral symbol. At the time, only Nazmul’s wife was at home. She reportedly asked the men to leave, explaining that no other family members were present.

The situation allegedly escalated when the accused began pressuring her to pledge support for the ‘Scales’ symbol. The woman is said to have informed them that she herself was not a registered voter and that her family intended to vote for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. According to the complaint, this response angered the men. It is alleged that Shahidul forcibly embraced her and touched her inappropriately, while the others attempted to assault her collectively.

Her cries for help reportedly drew neighbours to the scene, prompting the accused to flee. The complaint further alleges that the woman was threatened with death should she disclose the incident.

In response to the allegations, Abdullah Al Mamun, Amir of the upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, described the claims as “entirely false and fabricated.” He denied any involvement by party members.

Sub-Inspector Merajul Islam Rubel of Bhuapur Police Station, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that a complaint has been received. “The matter is being investigated with due seriousness,” he said, adding that further legal steps would follow based on the findings.

The incident comes amid heightened political activity in the run-up to elections, raising concerns over voter intimidation and the safety of women during campaign activities. Authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken once the investigation is complete.