A 12-year-old girl, a Class-IV student of a government primary school in Chandpur's Shahrasti upazila, has been found five months pregnant, with her family accusing a 60-year-old neighbour of raping her.
The incident took place in Chitoshi East Union and has sparked widespread concern in the locality. The accused, identified as Nasir Uddin, reportedly went into hiding after the matter came to light.
According to local residents and family members, the victim is the daughter of physically challenged parents and frequently worked at the accused's house.
The girl said that her parents had sent her to Nasir Uddin's house about seven months ago at his request to assist with household chores. During that period, he allegedly touched her inappropriately on several occasions.
She further alleged that in February, Nasir Uddin forcibly took her into a room and raped her. The accused allegedly threatened to kill her parents if she disclosed the incident, leaving her too frightened to tell anyone about it.
The matter came to light on June 2 when the girl's aunt noticed physical changes and questioned her. The child then disclosed the alleged rape, family members said.
Subsequently, the family took her to a physician, who confirmed that she was five months pregnant.
Following the disclosure, the accused fled the area, according to locals.
The victim's mother alleged that her daughter had been raped and threatened with death.
"My daughter is now five months pregnant. We will seek legal action and demand justice from the administration," she said.
Md Aminul Islam, member of Ward No. 5 of Chitoshi East Union Parishad, said he had heard about the incident and found the allegations to be credible after making inquiries.
"It is a shameful incident involving a helpless family's young daughter. I demand exemplary punishment for the accused," he said.
Shahrasti Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mir Mahbubur Rahman said no formal complaint had yet been filed with the police.
"If a complaint is received, the matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken accordingly," the OC said.