A violent act of forced marriage and abduction took place in Sandwip colony under Ward 1 of Chattogram City Corporation, under Hathazari Police station. On July 27th, a 14-year-old eighth-grade student was abducted on her way home from school by Rifat (22), a construction worker from Subarnachar, Noakhali. The prime accused was assisted by Zahid, Badol, Ripon, and Abdur Rahman. Following the abduction, she was forced to sign the marriage registry.
The girl’s family filed a general diary at the Hathazari Model Police Station upon noticing that she had not returned home. The girl was rescued and returned to her family the following day with the help of Hathazari police, aided by Subarnachar police and locals.
In order to reach a settlement between the two parties, a salish meeting (arbitration meeting) was arranged on August 1st in Amtoli Sandwip colony. Local elders questioned the girl, during which a dispute broke out between the two parties. The girl’s father, Fakhrul Islam (58), was attacked, hit in the chest and head, and beaten with pipes and bricks by the other party until he lost consciousness. He was declared dead upon arrival at Max Care Hospital in Chowdhury Hat.
The sub-inspector of Hathazari Police, Imran, has stated that an investigation has been launched and the case is under process. The body of the deceased has been sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. Hathazari Police Station Inspector Mostaq Ahmed Chowdhury also informed that two individuals, Nur Alam (42) and Md. Muslim (45), have been taken in for questioning.
This incident highlights a complex issue of injustices, gendered violence, forced marriage, and challenges in the justice system. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to address the situation.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 