The arrestees are Ruman Bepari, Jobayer Bepari, Mostaridh Sardar, Sahabul Hossain Sakib, Masum Sheikh, Rakib Hossain and Mahfuzul.

However, the main accused, Sakhawat Hossain is still at large.

Kapasia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Alam Chand said the victim went to visit her parents’ house on Thursday.

Then one of her neighbours, Sakhawat, called the housewife over the phone asking her to meet in person.

Also read: Neighbour held for raping minor in Savar

“When the victim reached the spot, four people gang-raped her and others were their partners in crime,” Alam said.

“Next the victim fainted. And the accused demanded Tk50,000 from the victim’s mother over the phone.”

Also read: Woman living alone raped by intruder

Later, the rape survivor’s mother filed a case with Kapasia Police Station in connection with the incident.

Law toughened but rape continues 

The introduction of the death penalty for rape cases has failed to curb such incidents in Bangladesh.

Also read: 2 housewives 'raped' in Bagerhat, Satkhira; rapists held

On November 17, parliament passed the Women and Children Repression Prevention (Amendment) Bill 2020 with the death penalty as the highest punishment for rape.

The move came following days of protests about the country's high level of sexual violence against women.

Also read: 8 to die for killing minor girl after rape in Chattogram

At least 1,000 rapes, including over 200 gang rapes, were reported in Bangladesh during January-September this year, according to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

Forty-five of the victims were killed after rape, and 12 others took their own lives. 

Also read: 2002 Netrokona gang-rape: 5 death row convicts cleared of all charges

Three women and nine men were killed for protesting against sexual harassment, ASK said.