The victim, 14, is currently being treated at Bhola Sadar Hospital in critical condition.

Although police have detained Masud, one of the suspects, no complaint has been filed yet. Masud, a resident of Tajumuddin upazila’s Chandpur union, is an acquaintance of the victim. He works at a shop in Tajumuddin market.

The girl, who can barely speak after the assault, said Masud picked her up on his motorcycle from in front of her school in the pretext of dropping her home around noon.

Also read: Child rape increased 76.01pc in Bangladesh last year: BSAF

Locals and relatives of the victim said the 10th grader was waiting in front of her school when Masud and his associate picked her up on their motorcycle.

On their way, they gave the victim something laced with sedatives and raped her when she lost consciousness.

Her condition deteriorated as she bled profusely. Masud took her to Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex around 3pm. She was transferred to Bhola Sadar Hospital at night as her condition showed no sign of improvement.

Also read: Rape incidents continue amid widespread protests

Dr Md Sayedur Rahman of the Sadar Hospital said they could not stop bleeding. “We’ll consult a gynecologist and decide on further action,” he said.

The victim’s parents said they were searching for their daughter as she had not returned home and then police informed them that she was at a hospital.

Borhanuddin Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Mazharul Amin said they are yet to receive any formal complaint.

Also read: Death penalty fails to deter rapes

Rape incidents occurring despite tough law

The government last November amended the law to ensure death penalty for rape.

Nationwide protest sparked by gang rape incidents in Sylhet MC College hostel and Noakhali prompted the government to make the swift change.

Also read: Magura witnesses 73 rape incidents in 2020

The Cabinet approved the amendment on Oct 12 last year. A day later, the President promulgated an ordinance in this regard.

From then till Dec 31, the Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) said 160 incidents of rape took place.

Also read: Bangladesh introduces death penalty for rape

Last year, 1,627 women fell victim to rape. Fifty-three of them were murdered after rape and 14 of the victims took their own lives, according to ASK.

But the actual number is believed to be higher as many victims choose not to report assaults fearing for their safety.