Six days after two women were harassed in front of an elevator at the Navana Oval Building on Uttara Sonargaon Janapath Road in Dhaka, police have finally registered a case. Uttara Paschim Police confirmed the filing on Tuesday night, though no arrests have yet been made.
According to the complaint, on October 21, a company managing director and her daughter were waiting for an elevator when a FedEx staff member, identified as Raihan, made indecent gestures and verbally harassed them. After reviewing CCTV footage, the women identified him and reported the incident to the building association. However, they allege that some individuals linked to FedEx attempted to pressure them into a compromise and shield the accused by “showing political influence.”
The situation escalated further on October 26 when the women again encountered Raihan in the elevator. CCTV footage shows Raihan attempting to stay inside the lift despite having no reason to travel to other floors. When the women asked him to exit, he became aggressive. The confrontation led to intervention by building staff, during which two men were injured in a scuffle. Those men later filed a counter-complaint claiming they were assaulted by the women.
Police initially documented the counter-complaint, but after senior DMP officials intervened, a case was also registered against Raihan for sexual harassment (eve-teasing) under relevant legal provisions. Investigating officer SI Noor Alam stated that witness testimony has been collected, and attempts to arrest Raihan and others involved are ongoing.
This incident once again highlights how women reporting harassment often face pressure, counter-complaints, and attempts to discredit or silence them — particularly when the accused has institutional or social backing. Ensuring accountability will require careful investigation without allowing influence or negotiation to override women’s right to safety and justice.
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