A Bangladeshi court has sentenced a self-styled faith healer to life imprisonment for raping a woman under the guise of providing medical treatment, in a case that has reignited concerns about abuse, superstition and the exploitation of vulnerable patients.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Judge Ali Masud Sheikh of the Meherpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. The court found Muza Sheikh, widely known as Muza Kabiraj, guilty of rape after concluding that the offence had been carefully planned and carried out by abusing the trust of a childless couple seeking help.
The convicted man, aged 60, is a resident of the Sheikhpara area of Pirojpur village in Meherpur Sadar upazila and the son of Hazrat Ali. Alongside the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of Tk 50,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional year of imprisonment, according to the judgment.
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on 3 March 2021. A couple from Buichitala Majhpara village in Darshana upazila of Chuadanga district travelled to Pirojpur after hearing claims that Muza Sheikh could cure infertility through traditional healing methods. Driven by the hope of having a child, the couple placed their trust in the healer and agreed to undergo his so-called treatment.
During the visit, Muza Sheikh led the couple into a room on the pretext of administering medicine. At one stage, he gave the husband a substance claiming it was part of the treatment, which rendered him unconscious. Taking advantage of the situation, the healer raped the woman. The court observed that the act constituted a gross violation of trust and an aggravated abuse of authority over a vulnerable victim.
The following day, the traumatised couple lodged a case with Meherpur Sadar Police Station. Law enforcement agencies promptly began an investigation, collecting medical evidence, witness statements and other supporting materials. After completing the inquiry, police submitted a charge sheet against Muza Sheikh on 19 November 2021, confirming the credibility of the allegations.
During the trial, the prosecution was led by Public Prosecutor Advocate Mostafizur Rahman Tuhin, while Advocate Miajan Ali represented the defence. After examining witnesses and reviewing all evidence, the tribunal concluded that the charges had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Reacting to the verdict, Public Prosecutor Mostafizur Rahman Tuhin said the judgment had delivered justice to a woman who had suffered a horrific crime while seeking medical help. He expressed hope that the ruling would serve as a strong deterrent against rape and other forms of sexual violence, particularly those committed under the cover of traditional or unregulated healing practices.
Legal experts note that the case highlights the dangers of unlicensed treatment and blind faith in informal healers. Rights activists have also called for greater public awareness, stricter monitoring of fraudulent medical practices and stronger protection for women seeking healthcare, especially in rural areas.
Key Facts of the Case
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Convict | Muza Sheikh (Muza Kabiraj) |
| Age | 60 |
| Court | Meherpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal |
| Judge | Ali Masud Sheikh |
| Crime Date | 3 March 2021 |
| Verdict Date | Tuesday |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment |
| Fine | Tk 50,000 |
| Additional Punishment | One year imprisonment if fine unpaid |
| Charge Sheet Filed | 19 November 2021 |
The judgment stands as a reminder that crimes committed in the name of treatment or faith will face the full force of the law.