Former Youth Jamaat Leader Accused of Rape and Forced Abortion in Patuakhali

A former local youth leader affiliated with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami faces formal criminal charges following allegations of repeated sexual assault and a forced abortion against a widowed mother in Patuakhali. The accused, identified as Md. Shahidul Islam—a member and former president of the youth wing for Patuakhali Sadar Upazila—has reportedly gone into hiding to evade arrest following the filing of the case.

The legal action was initiated on 22 July when the survivor, a widowed mother of one, filed a petition before the Patuakhali Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. Naming Shahidul Islam as the sole defendant, the tribunal accepted the complaint and subsequently directed the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station to initiate necessary legal proceedings under national statutory frameworks.

According to the case statement, the victim had been residing at her paternal residence with her child following her husband’s death seven years ago. Exploiting her vulnerable circumstances, Shahidul Islam approached her with promises of marriage, assuring her that he would care for her child.

The court filings detail that on 24 March, the accused brought the woman to his sister’s residence along Sher-e-Bangla Road in Patuakhali town. There, he allegedly confined her to a room and subjected her to sexual assault. The statement further alleges that he coerced and threatened her into submission, committing repeated acts of rape over the subsequent weeks under false promises of marriage.

The situation escalated when the victim became pregnant. Despite being pressured by the accused to terminate the pregnancy, she steadfastly refused. On 18 May, under the pretext of escorting her for a routine medical examination, Shahidul Islam allegedly took her to a local private clinic. According to the complaint, the victim was forcibly administered medication, rendering her unconscious; upon waking, she discovered that her pregnancy had been terminated against her consent.

The plaintiff’s legal counsel, Advocate Md. Humayun Kabir, confirmed the case details on Wednesday, noting that the tribunal recognized the gravity of the allegations involving sexual assault under false promises of marriage and forced termination, prompting direct orders for police intervention.

Addressing the situation, the Amir of Patuakhali District Jamaat-e-Islami, Md. Najmul Ahsan, stated that as the matter remains sub-judice, detailed commentary would be inappropriate. However, he confirmed that Shahidul Islam’s party membership has been suspended, adding that strict organizational measures will follow if the allegations are proven in court.

The Officer-in-Charge of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, Md. Moniruzzaman, stated that law enforcement officers will take appropriate legal action immediately upon receiving formal documentation from the tribunal. Meanwhile, media attempts to contact Md. Shahidul Islam for comment have proven unsuccessful as he remains at large.