Summary:
- A 10-year-old street child was raped under Shahbagh Metro Rail Station in Dhaka on January 15, 2025, around 8 PM.
- The victim, who sold flower garlands in the area, was found injured and crying for help by bystanders.
- Locals apprehended the 19-year-old accused, Raihan, and handed him over to the police after the incident.
- The child is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital as authorities investigate the case.
A 10-year-old street child, who sold flower garlands in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, was brutally raped under the Shahbagh Metro Rail Station on the evening of Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The incident, which occurred near Bardem Hospital around 8 PM, has sent shockwaves across the city and raised urgent concerns about child safety and abuse.
The victim, a homeless child, was found in a bloodied condition after her cries for help drew the attention of bystanders. Mobarak, another street child who was present at the scene, recounted that people rushed to the spot upon hearing her screams and discovered her injured under the metro station. The accused, identified as Raihan, a 19-year-old youth, was apprehended by locals and handed over to the police. The victim was immediately taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and admitted to its One-Stop Crisis Center (OCC) for medical treatment.
According to Md. Tarekul Islam, an inspector from Ramna Police Station, Raihan lured the child into a makeshift shelter beneath the metro station and committed the heinous crime. He added that swift action by passersby led to Raihan’s capture before he could flee. Authorities are now investigating the case further while efforts are underway to locate the victim’s family.
This tragic incident highlights the vulnerability of street children in Bangladesh, who often lack basic protection against abuse and exploitation. Despite existing laws aimed at safeguarding children, such crimes continue to occur with alarming regularity. Reports suggest that many cases of child abuse go unreported due to social stigma and fear of reprisal.
The rape of this young girl underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and better support systems for vulnerable children. Advocacy groups and legal aid organizations have long called for reforms to ensure justice for victims and prevent such atrocities. As investigations proceed, public outrage is growing, with demands for accountability and stricter measures to protect children from similar fates.
This incident is a stark reminder of the systemic issues surrounding child safety in Bangladesh and calls for immediate action to address these challenges comprehensively.
Source: Ittefaq
