Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested a madrasa teacher accused of raping an 11-year-old girl in Netrokona after she became pregnant, triggering widespread outrage.
The case drew national attention after a physician publicly shared the condition of the child, who was later found to be seven months pregnant.
Authorities have since announced security measures for the doctor after she reported receiving rape and death threats online and over the phone.
RAB-14 said the accused, Amanullah Mahmudi Sagor, was arrested from Gauripur in Mymensingh early Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference at the force’s headquarters in Mymensingh, RAB-14 Commanding Officer Naymul Hasan said investigators had sought a seven-day remand for the suspect.
According to the case filed by the victim’s mother, the child was taken to a diagnostic centre in Madan upazila in Netrokona on 18 April after her family noticed physical changes. Doctors later confirmed that she was seven months pregnant.
The child later alleged that on 2 October last year, the accused called her into his room at the madrasa where she studied in Madan upazila and raped her.
After the allegations sparked outrage, Sagor reportedly went into hiding with his family.
Meanwhile, physician Sayma Akter said she received threats online after speaking publicly about the incident.
Several Facebook accounts allegedly threatened to rape and kill her by organising mobs, while similar threats were also made over the phone.
RAB-14 said it intensified intelligence surveillance after learning about the matter.
Acting on confidential information, a team from RAB-14 arrested Sagor from the Sonampur area under Gauripur police station in Mymensingh at around 4:15am on Wednesday.
RAB-14 Commanding Officer Naymul Hasan said the accused initially took shelter in Gazipur before moving to Tongi and later to Gauripur.
He said the suspect did not carry a mobile phone, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track his movements immediately.
“Later, we were able to determine his location,” he said.
Responding to a question, the RAB official said Sagor denied the allegations during preliminary interrogation.
The official also dismissed as rumours claims circulating on social media that DNA tests had already been conducted on the unborn child.
“No DNA test has been carried out yet,” he said.
“If necessary, the investigating officer will conduct the test with the court’s permission. Whatever is required for the investigation will be done.”
After the allegations against Sagor surfaced, supporters aligned with the Qawmi madrasa community launched campaigns on social media defending him.
They claimed that DNA tests on the foetus had already been conducted and that no link had been found with the accused teacher.
Several well-known social media influencers also shared such claims from their Facebook accounts.
Based on the rumours, supporters argued that the madrasa teacher had no connection to the alleged rape.
Security assurance for physician
Asked about threats against the physician who disclosed the incident, Naymul Hasan said those issuing threats were also being monitored by RAB.
Madan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tarikul Islam echoed the same assurance.
He told TIMES of Bangladesh that physician Sayma Akter had not yet provided police with the links to the Facebook accounts or the mobile phone numbers used to issue the threats.
“Once we receive the links and phone numbers, identification efforts will begin immediately,” he said.
