Police have arrested a man in Purbadhala upazila of Netrokona for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter over several months, leaving her six months pregnant.

The arrestee was identified as Shafiqul Islam, 48, son of late Habibullah of Dhala Ashrayan Project at Dhala Jatrabari village under Bishkakunia union.

According to police and local sources, the victim previously worked at a house in Dhaka. Her mother also works as a domestic help at another house. Around six months ago, her father brought her back to their home.

Two to three days after her return, he allegedly began sexually abusing her taking the advance of his wife’s absence, first through intimidation and threats, and continued the assaults regularly.

Around two months ago, she was sent to work at a house in Mymensingh. There, a pregnancy test conducted due to visible physical changes confirmed she was pregnant.

Later, Shafiqul hurriedly brought her back home and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the matter.

As the girl’s physical condition became increasingly apparent, locals noticed the changes, leading to the incident coming to light and sparking outrage in the area.

Around 11:00am on Wednesday, on the orders of Netrokona’s Superintendent of Police Md Tariqul Islam, a team of police from Purbadhala Police Station rushed to the spot.

They talked to the victim when she narrated the brutality.

Later, accompanied by local Union Parishad members Hafiz Uddin and Ziaur Rahman, she visited the police station and filed a written complaint.

Following the complaint, police arrested the accused from the Goruakanda area of Khalishapur Union around 5:30pm on Wednesday.

Purbadhala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said they rescued the victim immediately after receiving the news and arrested the accused.