Is Bangladeshi media downplaying Hindu woman's rape? Rights group makes shocking claim
The rape of a 25-year-old minority Hindu woman from Cumilla, Bangladesh has sparked widespread protests in the county after a video of her assault went viral on social media.
Five individuals have been arrested so far in relation to the case. The main suspect is Fazor Ali, 36, a local politician associated to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party according to PTI.
The protests organised by students of Dhaka university demanded direct action against those responsible for the assault. The criticism of the incident online stems from concerns over the safety of minorities in the country.
Authorities have been directed by the High Court to immediately remove the viral video of the assault. The two judge bench also directed officials to ensure the safety of the victim and provide her with medical care.
According to the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) who spoke to the Free Press Journal, Bangladeshi media has been hesitant to cover the case due to the prime suspect being from the BNP. They called out the “systemic negligence,” and the dismissive attitude towards the survivor’s rights. They also said that some groups are portraying the crime as consensual and were trying to “downplay” and “protect” the primary accused.
In a post on X, the human rights organisation, said that this incident “is not an isolated case.” The post said that 13 gang rapes have been reported in the Cumilla district in April 2025 alone, and that families have been contacting them every week “begging for help to save their daughters.”
The incident took place on June 26 at the victims parental home where she was visiting with her children. Ali had broken into her home and raped her around 10 pm Thursday night.
A neighbour had heard noises from the residence and called in people who found and rescued the victim. The accused who had been thrashed by the locals, was taken to a nearby hospital from where he later fled.
The video that was posted on social media showed the woman stripped naked and pleading with her attacker.
The main accused was arrested in a predawn raid at the Sayedabad area at Dhaka and the Four others were arrested for posting the identity of the woman online.
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