Jamaat Leader Accused of Raping Minor Girl in Cumilla

A case has been filed against a local Jamaat-e-Islami leader following allegations of raping a 10-year-old girl in the Bangra Bazar police station area of Muradnagar Upazila, Cumilla. The incident has sparked severe criticism and tension amongst local residents, who are demanding immediate justice.

The accused, Azhar Miah, is the son of Abdul Jalil Member and a resident of Metongghar village in the Akubpur union of Muradnagar. According to the formal complaint, the incident transpired on 1 July 2026 at around 3:30 pm. Azhar reportedly enticed the young girl into a secluded tin-shed room located next to his commercial poultry farm. Once inside, he bolted the door and subjected the minor to sexual assault.

The victim’s screams alerted her family members and nearby residents, who rushed to the scene. Sensing their arrival, the suspect unlocked the door and managed to flee the area before he could be apprehended. The traumatised child was subsequently rescued and narrated the details of the assault to her relatives.

Due to severe bleeding, the child was immediately taken to a local homeopathy practitioner, Setu Debnath, where initial medical assistance was provided to control the bleeding. Neighbours later alleged that the practitioner has a history of involvement in various unsocial activities and questioned the decision to seek informal care for such a critical medical situation.

Local residents disclosed that Azhar, utilising his political affiliation and family influence as the son of a local member, has a history of misdemeanours in the village. They alleged that his affluent background often allowed him to suppress previous grievances through financial settlements. Following discussions with village elders and relatives, the victim’s father formally lodged a written complaint with the Bangra Bazar police.

Anwar Hossain, the investigating officer at Bangra Bazar Police Station, confirmed that a case has been registered against Azhar under the relevant sections of the law. He stated that police teams are actively pursuing the suspect, who went into hiding immediately after the incident.

Efforts to reach the Bangra Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary, Mizanur Rahman, for an official statement were unsuccessful as he did not answer multiple telephone calls. Law enforcement authorities have assured the public that necessary steps are being taken to arrest the accused and provide proper medical and legal support to the victim.