Rights group demands swift justice in Cumilla rape case

Rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed concern over the horrific rape and violence committed against a woman from a religious minority community in Muradnagar of Cumilla district.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ASK strongly condemned the incident and called for a swift, impartial, and exemplary trial.
“This incident is not only a heinous crime but also a deliberate attack on women and a blatant expression of hatred. It violates the Constitution of Bangladesh, the rule of law, and the very foundations of human rights,” the statement read.
The organisation further noted that such brutal and medieval barbarism has no place in a civilised society.
ASK added that the crime reflects not only an individual’s actions but also the government’s apathy, a persistent culture of impunity, and the failure to enforce the law against influential people.
“If a woman cannot be safe in her own home and under her own identity, it signals a grave failure and insecurity of the state. The pattern of delaying justice or shielding perpetrators in previous cases of attacks, persecution, and torture against women appears to be repeating in this case as well,” the statement continued.
The human rights group demanded a proper and prompt investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible. It also called for immediate steps to ensure the victim’s and her family’s safety, provide compensation, and guarantee legal, psychological, and health support as needed.