12-year-old raped, forcibly married off to accused to cover up crime

A 12-year-old child has become pregnant after being repeatedly raped by a 65-year-old man in Phulbari, Dinajpur. Allegations have emerged that the family was forced to marry the child off to the elderly accused through a local arbitration council to cover up the incident.

The child's mother filed a case against the accused, Nurul Islam alias Dayal, at Phulbari Police Station late on Thursday night, May 7.

According to the case statement, the accused lured the child with various inducements and raped her multiple times, with the most recent incident occurring on February 5 in a maize field. When the child's physical condition began to change, the family discovered the matter and took her to a doctor, who confirmed a three-month pregnancy.

The child's maternal aunt alleged that about a week ago, the accused brought several local leaders to negotiate a settlement. Under pressure, the family was forced to marry the daughter off to the elderly man to protect family honour. The accused's side reportedly offered Tk 150,000 and promised two decimals of land, but the family claims they received nothing.

The accused, his family members and the local leaders involved in the attempted settlement are now on the run. The marriage registrar (kazi) who conducted the marriage ceremony has also been identified.

Phulbari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Latib Shah confirmed that police have visited the scene and are working to arrest the accused.