Medical Practitioner Reports Death Threats Following Examination of Minor

A senior medical professional in the Madan Upazila of Netrokona has reported receiving multiple death threats and threats to her professional reputation after providing medical assistance to an 11-year-old victim of sexual assault. Dr Sayma Akter, who conducted the clinical examinations of the minor, disclosed the intimidation she has faced during a recent public broadcast on social media.

The case involves an 11-year-old madrasa student who was subjected to severe physical abuse and subsequently became pregnant as a result of the assault. Dr Akter’s involvement in the case was strictly professional, as she was tasked with assessing the health status and documenting the forensic evidence pertaining to the child’s condition.

Allegations of Intimidation and Threats

In a live video address, Dr Akter stated that she was compelled to bring the matter to public attention due to the severity and persistence of the threats. She described a coordinated effort by a specific group to intimidate her and derail her medical career. According to her statement, the threats included explicit warnings of physical violence and “hacking to death.”

During the broadcast, Dr Akter expressed her distress regarding the personal cost of fulfilling her professional duties. She stated:

“I am making this video out of sheer necessity. A group of individuals is determined to destroy my career and has issued several life threats, including threats to hack me to death. Is standing by an 11-year-old girl my crime? Does the law truly punish offenders in this country?”

The doctor further questioned the safety of healthcare professionals who engage in sensitive forensic work, particularly when dealing with cases of extreme violence against minors. She emphasised that her actions were limited to providing medical support and ensuring that the victim’s health complications—arising from a pregnancy at such a young age—were professionally managed.

Appeals for Administrative Protection

Given the perceived failure of local deterrents to stop the harassment, Dr Akter directed her appeal to the highest levels of the national administration. She formally requested the intervention of the current political leadership to ensure her safety and the integrity of the ongoing legal process.

In her statement, she specifically drew the attention of:

• Tariq Rahman, the Honourable Prime Minister.

• Lutfuzzaman Babar, the Member of Parliament for the Netrokona-4 constituency.

Dr Akter urged the administration to take immediate measures to identify the individuals behind the threats and to provide a secure environment for medical staff involved in criminal investigations. She highlighted that the targeting of doctors serves as a significant deterrent to the proper documentation of sexual crimes, potentially allowing perpetrators to evade justice.

Context of the Assault and Legal Framework

The incident involving the 11-year-old madrasa student has caused considerable alarm in the Madan area. Under the Nari-O-Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain (Women and Children Repression Prevention Act), the sexual assault of a minor is a non-bailable offence carrying severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty in aggravated circumstances.

Medical professionals play a pivotal role in these cases, as their testimony and forensic reports often serve as the primary evidence in a court of law. The pregnancy of an 11-year-old poses extreme physiological risks, requiring constant medical monitoring. Dr Akter’s role was crucial in ensuring the child received the necessary care for these complications.

Local law enforcement agencies in Netrokona have reportedly been informed of the incident and the subsequent threats against the physician. While the investigation into the initial assault is underway, the additional layer of witness and professional intimidation has added complexity to the case. Administrative sources indicate that security protocols for the victim and the medical staff are currently under review.

Professional and Social Impact

The harassment of Dr Sayma Akter has been met with condemnation from medical associations and civil society groups in the region. Advocates for child rights have noted that when doctors are threatened with “career destruction” for aiding victims, it creates a vacuum of accountability.

As of 6 May 2026, Dr Akter continues to seek formal protection. The Netrokona-4 parliamentary office has been notified of the appeal, and further statements regarding the safety of the medical practitioner and the status of the accused in the rape case are expected following a formal police briefing. The medical community has reiterated that the protection of those providing forensic evidence is essential to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that survivors of such traumatic events receive the justice mandated by the state.