Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) strongly condemns the attack, vandalism, and threats against the family of a teenage girl in Subarnachar, Noakhali.
In a statement on Monday, MJF said it is deeply concerned that instead of receiving protection, the survivor and her family have faced further violence and intimidation.
The attack took place after the family filed a case against a madrasa superintendent accused of attempting to rape the girl.
According to reports, a group attacked their home and pressured them to withdraw the case show serious abuse of power and a failure to ensure justice. Such incidents deter families of sexual violence survivors to file cases and seek justice.
Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF, said, “This incident shows how survivors and their families are often punished for seeking justice. The State must protect the survivor and their families and ensure the arrest and prosecution of the accused. Justice must come through the legal system, not informal compromise or social pressure.”
MJF is also concerned about delays in legal action and attempts at local settlement instead of proper investigation. Such practices weaken the justice system and put survivors at further risk, especially in educational institutions like madrasas.
MJF calls on the authorities to ensure protection for the survivor and her family; arrest the accused immediately and those involved in the attack against survivors’ family; conduct a fast, fair, and transparent investigation; take action against attempts to settle or obstruct the case informally; strengthen monitoring and accountability in all educational institutions and protecting children must be a top national priority.
MJF stands with the survivor and her family and reaffirms its commitment to a safe and just environment for all children.
