Authorities in the Fulbaria Upazila of Dinajpur have initiated a criminal investigation after a 12-year-old girl was discovered to be pregnant following repeated sexual assaults. A formal case was filed on the night of Thursday, 7 May 2026, by the victim’s mother. The primary suspect, a 65-year-old neighbour identified as Nurul Islam (also known as Dayal), has reportedly fled the area with his family to evade arrest.
Details of the Allegations and Assaults
According to the First Information Report (FIR) and statements from the victim’s family, Nurul Islam is a local trader dealing in discarded materials (scrap metal). Exploiting his status as a neighbour and the domestic circumstances of the family—the victim’s mother is a day labourer and her father is chronically ill—the suspect gained regular access to their residence.
Local residents and the victim’s family provided a timeline of the incidents:
Initial Assault: Approximately six months ago, the minor was accosted while en route to a local shop to purchase betel leaves for her grandmother. The suspect allegedly forced her into a nearby maize field where the first assault occurred.
Subsequent Incidents: The suspect reportedly continued the abuse through various inducements and threats. The most recent recorded incident took place on 5 February 2026, when the child was again lured to a maize field and assaulted.
The suspect allegedly used intimidation tactics to ensure the child’s silence, threatening her with physical harm or death if she disclosed the events to her parents or the community.
Discovery of Pregnancy and Illegal Arbitration
The victim’s family began to notice physiological changes in the child approximately one month ago. Upon seeking medical consultation, they were informed that the 12-year-old was three months pregnant.
When the matter became public within the village about a week ago, Nurul Islam, supported by several local influential figures, attempted to suppress the criminal nature of the incident through an illegal informal arbitration (Salish). Reports indicate that a “settlement” was proposed to avoid legal repercussions:
Financial Compensation: A sum of 150,000 BDT was promised to the victim’s family.
Land Transfer: The suspect offered to transfer two decimals of land to the family.
Sham Marriage: A purported marriage ceremony was arranged between the 65-year-old suspect and the 12-year-old victim, during which the child was forced to sign a blank document.
The victim’s father admitted that his physical illness and financial desperation, combined with significant social pressure to protect the family’s “honour,” initially led him to consider the compromise. However, he confirmed that no money or land was ever delivered, and he is now seeking formal justice and the highest punishment for the accused.
Police Intervention and Current Status
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Fulbaria Police Station, Shah Abdul Latif, confirmed that the police intervened once the details of the illegal arbitration reached the authorities. Officers visited the scene to verify the facts, but the suspect and his household had already vacated their residence.
The victim’s mother has officially charged Nurul Islam under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. OC Latif stated that law enforcement is currently conducting raids to apprehend the fugitive. Furthermore, the police have issued a warning regarding the illegal attempt to settle a rape case through arbitration.
“The girl is confirmed to be pregnant,” OC Latif remarked. “We are aware that certain local individuals attempted to cover up the crime with inducements. Following our investigation, legal action will also be taken against those who were involved in this illegal mediation and attempt to bypass the judicial system.”
The minor remains under observation, and the police have committed to ensuring her safety while the manhunt for the suspect continues across the Dinajpur district. Under Bangladeshi law, rape is a non-compoundable offence, meaning it cannot be legally settled through private financial or social agreements.