Spread of sexual violence video in bangladesh sparks wave of protests

In Bangladesh, the widespread circulation of a video showing a woman being sexually assaulted has caused a wave of public outrage across the country.

The woman, who experienced the incident, told local media in interviews that she was raped at her father’s house last Thursday. The video shows several people present at the scene.

Police have arrested five people in connection with the case. One of them is named as the alleged rapist, and the other four are suspected of recording and distributing the video of the assault. Authorities have said the case will be handled “with the utmost seriousness.”

The woman, who is entitled to protection, had gone to visit her father’s home in the Cumilla district in central Bangladesh when a neighbor broke in and attacked her. The victim belongs to the Hindu minority community and stated in local media interviews that the accused “entered with bad intentions and tortured her.”

The main suspect has been named as 36-year-old Fazor Ali. According to police, he was beaten by locals on the night of the incident and sustained injuries to his arms and legs, which prevented him from appearing in court on Sunday.

The circulation of the video on social media sparked nationwide protests. Human rights activists condemned the incident and called for strict punishment.

Bangladesh’s prominent legal aid and rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra issued a statement:

“If a woman is not safe even in her own home, this signifies a serious failure of the state and a breakdown of the security system.”

The organization urged the government to take firm and clear action against such brutality.

Another group, Manusher Jonno Foundation, harshly condemned those who filmed and shared the video, calling it a “second assault.”

The Bangladeshi government said it responded promptly to the incident. Legal advisor Asif Nazrul stated at a press briefing on Sunday:

“Like ordinary citizens, we are deeply shocked by this brutality. The home ministry took immediate action. The main accused and those involved in spreading the video have been arrested.”

This incident is part of a series of violent acts that have occurred in recent years. Earlier this year, an eight-year-old girl died from injuries sustained in a rape, which also triggered widespread protests.

Protesters are demanding the government reform laws on sexual crimes, speed up legal processes, and ensure the safety of women and children. They also stress that due to a lack of clarity in the legal definition of rape, many crimes go unpunished. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!