A formal police complaint has been lodged against a local leader of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)—the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—following allegations of an attempted sexual assault on a seven-month pregnant woman in Shariatpur. The incident, which took place on 5 August in Dhali Kandi village under the Char Kumaria Union of Sakhipur Police Station, Veederganj Upazila, has sparked widespread public indignation and left the victim’s family fearing for their safety.
The Incident and Escalating Threats
The accused, 33-year-old Milon Dhali, is the son of Akkas Dhali and holds the post of Vice-President of the Char Kumaria Union JCD committee. According to police reports and local sources, Milon had been persistently harassing and making inappropriate advances towards the 23-year-old victim, Airin Laboni, for a prolonged period. On the afternoon of 5 August, taking advantage of her being alone at her paternal home, Milon allegedly entered the property, forcefully embraced her, and attempted to commit rape.
When the victim resisted and raised an alarm, Milon reportedly assaulted her physically before fleeing the scene as neighbours rushed to her aid. The victim sustained injuries and was subsequently admitted to the Veederganj Upazila Health Complex for medical treatment. Following the assault, the victim’s mother, Nazma Begum, filed an attempted rape case at Sakhipur Police Station on 9 August, naming Milon Dhali and an associate, Anwar Dhali (36), as primary suspects.
However, the initiation of legal proceedings has reportedly intensified the ordeal for the family. On the afternoon of 11 August, the accused allegedly telephoned the victim’s mother, threatening to murder the family and destroy their residence with petrol bombs unless the charges were withdrawn. Fearing for their lives, the family has been forced into hiding, taking shelter at a relative’s house for the past week.
Community Reaction and Political Context
The incident has highlighted growing concerns over political influence shielding individuals accused of violent crimes. Wasiim Dhali, a local community elder, stated that Milon had been repeatedly warned about his inappropriate conduct prior to the assault. He urged law enforcement agencies to ensure strict accountability, noting that Milon’s political affiliations had fostered a sense of impunity. Local resident Anwar Hossain Sardar echoed these sentiments, alleging that Milon was also involved in substance abuse and wider anti-social activities within the locality.
Responding to the allegations, the Convenor of the Shariatpur District JCD, HM Zakir Hossain, maintained that the party holds zero tolerance for criminal behaviour. He noted that organizational actions would be taken upon reviewing the status of the local committee and confirming whether the accused held an active post.
Meanwhile, Milon Dhali has evaded police capture. In a video message circulated on social media, he denied the allegations, claiming the dispute arose over an unpaid financial debt owed by the victim’s brother.
Sakhipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mofazzal Hossain confirmed that an official case has been registered and forwarded to the court. He assured the public that police operations to apprehend the accused remain ongoing, adding that additional allegations regarding death threats would be thoroughly investigated once formally submitted.
Contextual Note: Crimes involving violence against women remain a critical area of focus for law enforcement in Bangladesh. Under the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act, attempted rape carries severe legal penalties. Rights organizations continue to emphasize the necessity of swift judicial intervention and state-provided protective measures for vulnerable victims and witnesses in rural jurisdictions.
