MD Shafiqul of the airline displays horrific behaviour towards a child at home

A harrowing case of child abuse has emerged from the household of Shafiqul Rahman, the Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, exposing shocking maltreatment of an 11-year-old girl, identified under the pseudonym Moyna.

Driven by financial hardship, Moyna was sent at the tender age of 11 to work as a domestic helper in the affluent household of Shafiqul Rahman and his wife, Bithi. What was expected to be a modest, safe environment—promising little more than a handful of meals and a secure place to live—soon turned into a living nightmare.

According to police reports, Moyna endured systematic and extreme physical abuse. Authorities revealed that she was subjected to burns from heated metal, violent blows from heavy objects leading to fractured bones in her arms and legs, and multiple dark bruises across her body. Her frail frame bore the marks of relentless torture. She was eventually rescued in a critical condition and admitted to Gaziipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital for urgent treatment.

The police arrested Shafiqul Rahman and his wife from Sector 9, Uttara, late Sunday night. Upon being presented in court on Monday, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Raju Ahmed denied their bail requests, ordering both to remain in custody. The prosecution, led by SI Tahmina Akter, emphasised the severity of the abuse and the vulnerability of the child.

Shafiqul Rahman’s defenders argued that he and his wife could not have been directly involved, citing his governmental duties and frequent absence from the household. They stated that Moyna was returned safely to her family following her recovery. Nevertheless, the court rejected these claims, underscoring the severity and premeditated nature of the abuse.

Moyna’s father, Golam Mostofa, a hotel employee, initially filed the case. He recounted that his daughter was placed in the Rahman household in June of the previous year after the family promised to bear all her expenses and future welfare. Moyna was last seen in good health on 2 November, after which contact was abruptly denied. On 31 January, Moyna’s mother was contacted by Bithi, who claimed the girl was ill. Upon collection, Golam Mostofa discovered Moyna’s body bore severe injuries, rendering her nearly unable to speak. Moyna later revealed that she had suffered continuous beatings and burns from hot objects since November.

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This disturbing incident has sparked outrage across Bangladesh, raising urgent questions about child protection, domestic labour, and accountability among the country’s elite. While investigations continue, authorities have vowed stringent action against those responsible.