A harrowing case of violence against women in the Nizlathimara area of Patharghata Upazila has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the legal system. On the night of Sunday, 1 March, at approximately 11:30 pm, a woman and her three-month-old infant were subjected to a violent attack, reportedly over allegations of an extramarital affair.
According to reports, the victim and a young man were bound together with rope, while the infant was forcibly separated from the mother. The brutal incident was recorded on a mobile phone, and the footage rapidly circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
Following the viral dissemination of the video, local society was thrown into turmoil, and national media outlets also highlighted the case. In response, Patharghata Judicial Magistrate Court initiated a suo motu (self-initiated) case. Judicial authorities confirmed that the preliminary investigation indicates potential violations under the Children Act, 2013, and relevant sections of the Penal Code, 1860. The court has directed the police to submit a detailed investigation report by 10 March and has ordered the preservation of the video and news reports as evidence.
Human Chain and Threats
On Wednesday morning, 4 March, a human chain demonstration was held in Nizlathimara. During the protest, one individual openly threatened the victim, urging her to leave the area. The event reportedly had the backing of Mohammad Shagir Alam.
At the same demonstration, local Awami League vice-president Abu Bakr Siddiq Afang questioned the legitimacy of the court’s suo motu case. Other speakers claimed that the attack stemmed from longstanding land disputes with the victim.
The victim told journalists that the assault was premeditated. “They used the land dispute as an excuse to tie me and my child and publicly humiliate us. The threats to leave the area have left me feeling extremely unsafe,” she said.
Local social worker Golam Kibria emphasised that no chairman or supporter has the authority to forcibly remove anyone from the area. “Anyone committing a crime will be held accountable under the law,” he stated.
The Patharghata Police Station confirmed that investigations have commenced in accordance with the court order. Given the clear video evidence, authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. Police have been deployed to ensure the victim’s safety.
Incident Timeline
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 March 2026 | 11:30 pm | Woman physically assaulted; infant separated |
| 2 March 2026 | Morning | Video goes viral on social media; local unrest |
| 4 March 2026 | Morning | Human chain and threats; court suo motu case discussed |
| 4–10 March 2026 | — | Police instructed to submit detailed investigation report |
This case serves as a stark warning on both social and legal fronts. The rapid response following the viral video underscores the community’s vigilance and the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing the law against violence and abuse.