Netrokona: Police have apprehended a man in Purbadhala upazila of Netrokona for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter over several months, resulting in her being six months pregnant. The suspect, identified as Shafiqul Islam, 48, is the son of the late Habibullah from Dhala Ashrayan Project at Dhala Jatrabari village under Bishkakunia union.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the victim had previously worked as a domestic helper in Dhaka, while her mother was employed in a similar capacity at another residence. Approximately six months ago, her father brought her back to their home. Two to three days after her return, he allegedly began the sexual abuse, exploiting his wife's absence. The assaults reportedly continued through intimidation and threats.
Around two months ago, the girl was sent to work at a house in Mymensingh. A pregnancy test conducted there, due to noticeable physical changes, confirmed her pregnancy. Subsequently, Shafiqul brought her back home and threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed the situation.
As her pregnancy became more evident, locals noticed the changes, which brought the incident to light and led to public outrage. At around 11:00 am on Wednesday, on the orders of Netrokona's Superintendent of Police Md Tariqul Islam, a team from Purbadhala Police Station arrived at the scene. They spoke with the victim, who recounted the abuse.
Accompanied by local Union Parishad members Hafiz Uddin and Ziaur Rahman, the victim filed a written complaint at the police station. Following this, police arrested the accused from the Goruakanda area of Khalishapur Union at around 5:30 pm on Wednesday. Purbadhala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun stated that they rescued the victim immediately after receiving the news and detained the accused.