In a harrowing turn of events that has left the local community in a state of profound shock, the police have successfully apprehended a 58-year-old man, identified as Abdul Barek, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl. The suspect, who serves as the landlord to the victim’s family, was taken into custody during a targeted, late-night operation on Tuesday, 14 April, within the Dhamrai district of the capital.
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Chronology of Events and Police Investigation
The victim is the daughter of a staff member at Daffodil International University (DIU). The family resides in the Duttapara neighbourhood of Savar, falling under the jurisdiction of the Savar Model Police Station. Official police reports indicate that the heinous act occurred on the evening of 6 April, whilst both of the child’s parents were fulfilling their professional duties at their respective workplaces.
A specialised law enforcement team, spearheaded by Sub-Inspector Al Amin, the officer-in-charge of the Birulia Police Camp, utilised sophisticated digital tracking technology to locate the fugitive. After evading capture for several days, Barek was intercepted at midnight in Dhamrai. Following his arrest and subsequent preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, providing investigators with critical testimony regarding the timeline and nature of the assault.
Detailed Case Summary and Key Figures
| Feature | Details |
| Suspect Identity | Abdul Barek (Aged 58) |
| Victim Profile | Seven-year-old female |
| Date of Incident | 6 April 2026 |
| Primary Location | Duttapara, Savar, Dhaka |
| Arrest Location | Dhamrai, Dhaka |
| Lead Investigator | SI Al Amin (Birulia Police Camp) |
| Medical Referral | Enam Medical College & Dhaka Medical College |
The Circumstances of the Assault
The distressing ordeal reportedly commenced at approximately 6:45 pm on 6 April. The victim and her younger sister, aged just four, were alone at home watching television. Exploiting the absence of parental supervision, Abdul Barek allegedly entered the residence. In what appears to be a calculated manoeuvre to isolate the elder child, he purportedly handed the four-year-old a ten-taka note and instructed her to leave the premises to purchase sweets.
Once the younger sibling had departed, it is alleged that Barek secured the door from the inside and proceeded to subject the seven-year-old girl to a violent sexual assault. The gravity of the situation was discovered when the mother returned from her shift shortly after 8:00 pm. She found her eldest daughter in a state of extreme psychological distress and inconsolable tears. The child immediately sought refuge in her mother’s arms and recounted the traumatic experience. Upon discovering blood on the child’s person and clothing, the mother immediately confronted the landlord and his spouse.
Attempts at Concealment and Evasion
When initially challenged by the victim’s mother, Barek reportedly admitted to his actions but pleaded for the matter to be kept secret, citing concerns for his “social standing and honour.” When the father returned home and learned of the violation, he was understandably outraged. In a desperate attempt to evade legal consequences, both the suspect and his wife allegedly begged for forgiveness on their knees.
The father attempted to detain the suspect by locking the room from the outside whilst he went to summon neighbours and the authorities. However, it is alleged that the suspect’s wife intervened by unlocking the door from the inside, enabling Barek to flee the scene. He remained a fugitive for over a week until the police tracked his whereabouts.
Institutional Support and Medical Intervention
Following the report, the administration of Daffodil International University reacted with significant urgency. The university’s Proctorial Body and security personnel visited the family to offer support and facilitate communication with law enforcement. The university provided a dedicated ambulance to transport the child to Enam Medical College Hospital. Due to the severity of the injuries sustained, she was subsequently transferred to the One-Stop Crisis Centre (OCC) at Dhaka Medical College Hospital for expert care.
Legal proceedings are now progressing rapidly. It was confirmed that on 13 April, the victim provided a formal judicial statement before a court of law. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to a rigorous investigation, with the suspect currently detained as the primary accused under the case filed at Savar Model Police Station.
