A protest march and rally were held in Rangamati on Friday condemning the gang rape of a young indigenous schoolgirl in Vaiybonchhara, Khagrachhari.
The demonstration, organized by the Hill Students Council (PCP) and the Hill Women’s Federation (HWF), began at the Kumar Sumit Roy Gymnasium ground, proceeded past the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and ended with a rally on the main highway. Speakers at the rally accused authorities of failing to curb rising violence against indigenous women and demanded swift arrests and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Sumitra Chakma of the Hill Youth Association, Kaisainyu Marma of the Marma Student Council, Anusing Marma of the Hill Women’s Federation, organizer Antar Chakma, and PCP representative Suniti Chakma.
The incident occurred on June 27, when an eighth-grade indigenous girl was gang-raped in the Vaiybonchhara market area. Following the assault, the victim attempted suicide by consuming poison.
After her father filed a formal complaint on Wednesday, police arrested four suspects overnight.
The arrested individuals include Arman Hossain, 32, president of the Vaiybonchhara Union Volunteer Team; Emon Hossain, 25, and Enayet Hossain, 35, both members of the same group; and Saddam Hossain, 32, general secretary of the Laborers’ Team. Other accused named in the case are Munir Islam, 29, joint general secretary of the Union BNP, and Sohel Islam, 23, assistant organizing secretary of the Chhatra Dal.