Man Arrested Over Alleged Rape of Child in Sunamganj

Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old child in Dowarabazar Upazila of Sunamganj, following an incident that has prompted a criminal investigation.

According to police and the case statement, the alleged offence took place on Monday (3 August) in Jalalpur village under Mannargaon Union. The suspect, identified as Md Alal, a resident of the same village, was taken into custody later that night after the victim’s family lodged a formal complaint with the police.

Investigators said the accused allegedly approached the 12-year-old child on Monday evening and handed over Tk 50, asking the child to purchase a packet of cigarettes worth Tk 10. After the child returned with the cigarettes and the remaining Tk 40, the suspect allegedly led the victim to a bush behind his house.

The complaint filed by the victim’s family alleges that the accused then forcibly raped the child against the victim’s will. During the alleged assault, the child reportedly cried out for help. Hearing the screams, the suspect is alleged to have threatened the victim before fleeing the scene.

Following the incident, the child’s family filed a case with Dowarabazar Police Station. Acting swiftly on the complaint, police launched an overnight operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect. He was subsequently produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings.

Officer-in-Charge Tarikul Islam Talukdar of Dowarabazar Police Station confirmed the arrest and said that the investigation is ongoing. He added that police are carrying out all necessary legal procedures in accordance with the law and that further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.

Cases involving sexual violence against children are treated as serious criminal offences under the laws of Bangladesh. Once a complaint is received, law enforcement authorities typically begin collecting evidence, recording witness statements and arranging the necessary medical and forensic examinations where applicable. The investigation process is intended to establish the facts of the case before it proceeds through the judicial system.

Authorities have not released additional details about the victim in order to protect the child’s identity. The law also prohibits the disclosure of information that could lead to the identification of a child who is the victim of sexual violence. Police have urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours or revealing personal information that could compromise the investigation or the victim’s privacy while the legal process remains underway.