Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Dowarabazar Upazila of Sunamganj. The suspect was taken into custody during a police operation on the night the complaint was filed and has since been produced before a court as legal proceedings continue.
According to police and the case statement, the alleged incident took place on Monday, 3 August, in Jalalpur village under Mannargaon Union. The accused, identified as Md Alal, is a resident of the same village.
The complaint alleges that on Monday evening, the suspect gave the girl Tk50 and asked her to buy a packet of bidis worth Tk10. When she returned to hand back the remaining Tk40, he allegedly led her to a secluded area behind his house.
Investigators said the girl has alleged that she was then raped against her will. According to the complaint, she cried out during the incident, prompting the suspect to threaten her before fleeing the scene.
The child later informed her family about what had happened. Her relatives subsequently approached Dowarabazar Police Station, where they lodged a formal complaint seeking legal action.
Following receipt of the allegation, police opened an investigation and registered a regular case. Officers then carried out a late-night operation that resulted in the arrest of the accused. He was later presented before the competent court, while investigators continue to gather evidence relevant to the case.
Officer-in-Charge Tarikul Islam Talukdar of Dowarabazar Police Station confirmed the arrest and said that all necessary legal procedures had been initiated in accordance with the complaint. He added that the investigation remains ongoing and that further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the inquiry.
Cases involving alleged sexual violence against children are treated as among the most serious criminal offences under the laws of Bangladesh. Authorities are legally and ethically required to protect the identity of child victims throughout the investigation and judicial process. Such safeguards are intended to prevent further trauma and to ensure the child’s privacy and dignity.
Alongside the criminal investigation, the physical and psychological wellbeing of child survivors is regarded as a key priority. Law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities are expected to ensure that victims receive appropriate medical care, counselling where necessary, and access to legal support while the case progresses through the justice system.
Police have stated that every allegation involving child abuse or sexual violence is investigated with due importance. Where sufficient evidence is found and the allegations are proven in court, those responsible are subject to prosecution and punishment under the country’s existing laws. The investigation into this case remains active, and officials say further developments will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
