Narsingdi rape and killing a grave failure of state: Rights orgs

Two human rights organisations - Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) - have strongly condemned the reported rape and killing of a teenage girl in Narsingdi, describing the incident as a grave failure of state protection and a serious challenge to the rule of law.

In a statement, Manusher Jonno Foundation expressed "deep anger, concern and strong protest" over the killing of the 15-year-old girl, who was allegedly abducted in front of her father after the family sought justice for her rape by several attackers. According to accounts cited by the organisation, the family approached a former Union Parishad member but "did not receive any support" and were instead told to leave the area. The father reported that his daughter was taken away in front of him, and her body was found the following morning.

The organisation said the case "proves that the safety of women and children in the country is under extreme threat" and demanded justice, accountability and immediate protection for the victim's family. Citing data from Ain o Salish Kendra, it noted that 35 children experienced violence last month and 25 were killed, meaning nearly one child becomes a victim each day.

Human Rights Support Society described the killing as exposing "serious weaknesses in our national security system, law enforcement, and women and child protection framework." It said safeguarding girls is both a constitutional duty and an international obligation under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The organisation warned that such crimes are "a clear attack on social security and the rule of law" and called for an "immediate, impartial and professional investigation," followed by prosecution through speedy tribunals under the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children Act.

Both organisations stressed that only swift and exemplary punishment can deter future offenders and restore public confidence in justice. They urged the authorities to demonstrate that the state is uncompromising in protecting the lives and dignity of women and children.