The National Human Rights Commission has issued a communication to the Hatia Police Station in Noakhali, urging law enforcement to launch an investigation and take legal action regarding the reported rape and abuse of a woman in the area.
In the communication, the NHRC stated that they have been actively monitoring media reports and responding to allegations of human rights violations. According to sources, a 32-year-old mother of three claimed she was sexually assaulted and physically harmed at her residence in Hatia upazila on the night of February 13 for supporting the ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol during voting.
The police have been directed to promptly register the victim’s complaint and proceed with necessary legal measures as per the law. The Daily Star has obtained a copy of the letter, which referenced a report published by the daily Jugantor.
Saiful Alam, the Officer-in-Charge of the station, confirmed that he has been in contact with the NHRC and addressed their inquiries. He mentioned visiting the victim’s location and verifying evidence of the attack and assault.
As of now, no formal complaint has been lodged. The victim, currently receiving treatment at the Noakhali 250-bed General Hospital, recounted that three men invaded her home at around 11:00 pm on Friday. She alleged that one of the men raped her while the others, identified as members of the local BNP and its youth wing, including Jubo Dal leader Rahman Hossain, reportedly stood guard during the assault.
Rahman has denied the accusations. The woman also claimed that on Saturday morning, five more men entered her house, beat her and her husband, and attempted to assault her again. She asserted that the incidents were linked to her support for National Citizen Party candidate Abdul Hannan Masud in the recent national election.
The victim is currently hospitalized in the gynaecology ward, where medical authorities are awaiting official requisition from the police or the court to conduct a forensic examination. The hospital has preserved the woman’s samples for examination, pending the police’s request for further investigation.
To ensure the woman’s security, additional police personnel have been stationed at the hospital. Hannan Masud, the newly elected MP for Noakhali-6 from NCP, visited the victim and demanded severe punishment for the perpetrators.
In contrast, Rahman Hossain denied knowing the woman and claimed he was attacked by NCP supporters on the same night. He presented medical documents to support his version of the events. Meanwhile, Mahbubur Rahman, the BNP President of Chanandi Union, refuted any allegations of wrongdoing in the union, attributing them to a smear campaign by the NCP.
During a hospital visit, Noakhali BNP Member Secretary Alhaj Md Harunur Rashid Azad expressed sorrow over the incident and called for a thorough investigation to identify the actual culprits and ensure justice, cautioning against spreading misinformation about the BNP without verifying the facts.
