BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday spoke with the mother of the minor girl who was raped in Magura and is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
He assured the victim's family that the BNP would stand by them in their pursuit of justice for the crime committed against the eight-year-old girl.
The BNP leader spoke over the phone with the mother of the rape victim, who is now on life support, as a BNP delegation visited her at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
The girl was allegedly raped while visiting her sister’s house in Nijnanduali village, Magura, on Thursday afternoon.
The BNP delegation, led by party standing committee member Selima Rahman, visited the DMCH and consoled the victim’s family members.
At one point, Tarique Rahman made a phone call to the mother of the rape victim through the cell phone of Dhaka South City unit Jubo Dal member secretary Rabiul Islam (Nayan).
During the conversation, Tarique Rahman enquired about the child’s condition.
The mother of the victim informed him that her daughter’s condition was critical and that she received blood.
Tarique Rahman was heard reassuring the mother, saying, "I have told our leaders and activists there, especially Nayan, and also our leaders and activists in Magura, that they will be by her side to ensure justice is served and those responsible for this crime are punished. From our position, we will try our best to ensure you get justice according to the laws of the country."
Magura rape survivor now in critical condition: DMCH director
Tarique also informed the mother that he has already instructed party leaders to take all necessary steps for the child’s treatment. “Don’t worry, we are here, and the people of the country are by your side."
"If only you could see what has been done to my little girl. I appeal to you, please pray that I get my daughter back. And may those who did this be punished." the grieving mother, in a tearful voice, responded.
Later, speaking to reporters, Selima Rahman said, “The inhuman torture inflicted on the child is the greatest disgrace to human civilization. “Doesn’t the victim have any right to live?”
She expressed concern over the ongoing violence against women and children, questioning the interim government’s response:
“What is the interim government doing while incidents of repression against women and children continue to happen one after another? In the name of mob justice, looting is taking place, and people are being harassed... Can we say there is no government?” the BNP leader said.
She called upon the government to ensure stricter punishment for the perpetrators of such crimes.
Earlier, Selima Rahman, accompanied by BNP leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, and Jubo Dal leader Nayan, visited the DMCH to console the victim’s family.
Doctors at the DMCH confirmed that the rape victim is in critical condition. They also mentioned that a medical board has been formed to oversee her treatment, as she was placed on life support on Friday.