Child’s death after rape ignites nationwide protests in Bangladesh

Thousands gathered for the girl's funeral prayer in Magura before she was laid to rest.

March 15, 2025 11:29 AM IST

3 min read

Dhaka University students shout slogans during the protest against sexual violence and rape across the country. (AP photo)

The death of an eight-year-old girl, days after she was raped, has triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh, demanding swift justice and reforms to protect children. The child succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, according to BBC.

According to a case filed by her mother, the girl was sexually assaulted while visiting her elder sister’s home in Magura, between the night of March 5 and the following morning. The elder sister’s 18-year-old husband, along with his parents and brother, have been arrested and placed on remand in connection with the incident.

The girl’s death, which occurred at approximately 1 pm local time on Thursday, was attributed to three cardiac arrests, according to a statement from the government’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department that was quoted by BBC. Despite medical efforts to stabilize her condition twice, her heart ultimately failed. She had been in critical condition at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka since March 8.

The banner reads: ‘when will the judiciary be educated.’ (AP photo)

The news of her death sparked immediate and intense reactions. An angry mob set fire to the house in Magura where the assault allegedly took place. The girl’s body was transported back to Magura by army helicopter, landing at the local stadium around 6 pm, amid fierce protests.

Aiyub Ali, officer-in-charge of Magura Sadar Police Station, reported difficulties in controlling the situation. Thousands gathered in Magura’s public square for the girl’s namaz-e-janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer, before her burial at 7:30 pm.

In Dhaka, an absentee funeral was held at Dhaka University, followed by a protest march and speeches by female students. Protesters demanded expedited justice for rape victims, reforms to laws regarding women and children’s safety, and greater clarity in the legal definitions of rape in Bangladesh.

The front banner reads: ‘thousands more girls raped, where is justice’ (AP photo)

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul announced at a press briefing that the trial of the rape and murder case is expected to begin within seven days. DNA sample collection has been completed, and results are anticipated within five days. Statements have been collected from 12 to 13 people. Nazrul expressed hope that the trial’s swift commencement would enable judges to deliver justice rapidly.

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