BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has assured full support, including legal assistance, to the family of a rape victim in Patuakhali.
He made the pledge during an audio call with the victim’s family on Thursday night.
Tarique spoke with the victim’s mother, sister, and other family members, expressing solidarity and concern. The conversation took place in the presence of BNP Central Executive Committee member Hasan Mamun, district BNP member Moshtak Ahmed Pinu, and other party leaders at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital’s auditorium.
During the call, Tarique instructed party members to extend all necessary assistance including legal aid to ensure justice for the victim.
Earlier on Tuesday , while the 17-year-old victim was on her way to her grandparents' house, she was followed by Sakib Munshi and Sifat Munshi from the Naldoyani area.
At one point, the two men overpowered her, took her to a nearby garden, and allegedly raped her. They also threatened to spread pictures of the assault on social media.
According to Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zakir Hossain of Dumki Police Station, the primary suspect Sakib was arrested shortly after the complaint was filed.
“The police are conducting an operation to capture the fugitive suspect Sifat, and the victim has been sent to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital for examination,” the OC said.