Woman Assaulted by Local Islamist Leader Despite Jumping Into Pond

In Bauphal Upazila of Patuakhali, a serious incident has occurred involving the sexual assault and attempted murder of a housewife by a local Islamist leader, allegedly over a longstanding land dispute. Despite her desperate attempt to protect herself by jumping into a pond, the woman could not escape the assault. The incident took place on Saturday morning, 13 December, at around 9:00 am in Bor Dalima village of Nazirpur Union.

The victim’s husband, Md. Akkas Munshi, claimed that the Ward 9 president of the local Islamist party, Md. Shuvo, along with his associates, deliberately attacked his wife. He alleged that the assault was premeditated and carried out with the intention of harming her physically and psychologically.

The victim’s mother, Mdsa. Mahinur Begum, explained that there had been an ongoing dispute over land with the accused for some time. On the morning of the incident, when Shuvo attempted to construct a small structure on the disputed land, her daughter intervened. Infuriated, the accused allegedly grabbed the woman and tried to forcibly touch her private areas. In a desperate bid to save her honour, the woman jumped into a nearby pond, but Shuvo reportedly followed her into the water and continued the assault. According to the mother, the woman’s salwar and top were torn, and there was an attempt to drown her in the pond. Several other Islamist party workers were allegedly present, keeping watch during the incident.

When the victim’s mother rushed to help after hearing her daughter’s cries, she was reportedly beaten severely. Local residents eventually intervened, rescuing both the mother and daughter, who were then admitted to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex for medical treatment.

Dr Nurjahan Begum, medical officer at the health complex, confirmed that both the housewife and her mother were mentally distressed, with the victim experiencing difficulty in breathing. Considering their physical condition, they were admitted for observation and treatment, and their condition has since stabilised.

In response to the allegations, Md. Shuvo denied all charges, stating, “If evidence proves me guilty, I will accept whatever punishment the law imposes.” However, he did not comment on whether he holds any position within the Islamist party.

Md. Khalidur Rahman, secretary of Bauphal Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, said, “I am not aware of what position he holds. I have the union committee records, but not the ward committee ones. I am also not informed about any such incident.”

Bauphal police officer-in-charge, Md. Siddiqur Rahman, stated, “A written complaint has been received regarding the incident. Police have been sent to the hospital. Appropriate legal action will be taken following investigation.”