Stepfather arrested in Manikganj over alleged rape of stepdaughter

Police in Ghior upazila of Manikganj have arrested a man accused of sexually assaulting his 11-year-old stepdaughter, following allegations that the child had been subjected to abuse on multiple occasions.

The accused, identified as Julhas, was taken into police custody on Monday, 3 August, after the allegation was brought to the attention of local authorities. Police said they were informed of the matter through the chairman of Baniyajuri Union Parishad and moved promptly to detain the accused.

According to local residents and police sources, Julhas had been living in a rented house in the Baniyajuri area with his wife and her 11-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. The child allegedly told her mother that Julhas had sexually assaulted her on Sunday morning after intimidating and threatening her.

The child also reportedly alleged that similar abuse had taken place on several previous occasions. She had allegedly remained silent because of fear of the accused and the threats made against her, according to information provided by the family.

The case came to light on Monday morning when the child finally disclosed the alleged abuse to her mother. The mother subsequently took her daughter to Baniyajuri Union Parishad Chairman S R Ansari Biltu and informed him about the allegations.

The union parishad chairman said the child and her mother described the alleged abuse and claimed that the girl had been subjected to such treatment more than once. After hearing their account, he immediately informed the officer-in-charge of Ghior Police Station and requested police intervention.

Ghior Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mir Mahbubur Rahman said officers were sent to the area as soon as the complaint was received through the union parishad chairman. The accused was subsequently detained and taken to the police station.

Police said the necessary legal process was under way in connection with the allegation. Further action will depend on the investigation and the evidence collected by law enforcement agencies.

The case has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of children who may remain silent after alleged abuse because of threats, fear or dependence on adults within their household. Child protection specialists generally stress the need for prompt reporting, safe access to support services and sensitive handling of such complaints so that victims are protected during the investigation.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation and take appropriate legal action in accordance with the findings. The identity and privacy of the child should be protected throughout the legal process.