Md. Shah Alam, Chakaria (Cox’s Bazar)

A group of youths have been accused of gang-raping a 15-year-old girl in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar. The incident took place on Sunday (January 5) at around 10:30 pm on the coastal embankment of Badarkhali Union in the upazila. The incident has already sparked widespread discussion and criticism on social media. Quoting the girl’s family members, she said that an autorickshaw driver dropped her off on the Badarkhali bridge on her way home from Banshkhali because her car had broken down. The girl was then crossing the bridge on foot. At that time, two youths blocked her path on the eastern side of the bridge. Later, another youth came, threatened her with a knife, held her in the face and took her inside the embankment’s paraban. There, four to eight youths gang-raped her and left her there. Later, local people rescued her and took her to Badarkhali General Hospital. Then, the police brought the girl to the Chakaria Upazila Health Complex. Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Manjur Quader Bhuiyan said, “I visited the scene last night along with Chakaria Circle Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rakib-ur Raja.” He said, “The teenager has been admitted to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex from Badarkhali General Hospital. Some evidence has been taken into police custody. Legal action will be taken in this regard.”