Nahid: Severe penalties must be enforced to prevent rape

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), emphasized the need for strict and exemplary punishment to effectively prevent rape. He stated, “Two names have emerged in connection with the rape incident in Dumki, Patuakhali. One suspect has been arrested, and we demand that the other accused be apprehended within the next 24 hours.”  

He further added, “This is not an isolated incident—strict measures must be enforced to prevent such crimes. The government is reportedly considering or has decided on amendments to the relevant laws. We urge that these changes be implemented without delay.”  

Nahid Islam made these remarks on Thursday during a press conference at the hall room of Patuakhali Medical College Hospital.  

Before the conference, he visited the hospital to meet the daughter of a martyr from the July movement, who was assaulted in Dumki.  

Several NCP leaders, including Abdul Hannan Masud and Dr. Tasnim Zara, accompanied him during the visit. At the press conference, Dr. Tasnim Zara stated, “It is unacceptable that perpetrators of such crimes roam freely while victims are left pleading for justice. This must change. The culprits must be identified and brought to trial. We must break free from the culture of impunity that has persisted over the years.”  

Earlier that day, at approximately 7:30 pm, the daughter of a martyr from the anti-discrimination movement was raped in a secluded area of Dumki Upazila.  

Her father had been fatally shot during the July 20 movement in Dhaka.  

Following the incident, the victim filed a case with the Dumki police station.  

Law enforcement has arrested one suspect, 19-year-old Sabik Munshi, who has been sent to prison, while the other accused, Sifat, remains at large.  

According to the police, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect.  

Meanwhile, the victim is receiving medical treatment at the One-Stop Crisis Center of Patuakhali Government Medical College Hospital.