Attempted sexual abuse of child, Jamaat activist whipped and fined in village arbitration

A man named Helal Uddin, described as a Jamaat activist, has been whipped 50 times and fined 10,000 taka in a village arbitration (salish) over allegations of attempting to sexually abuse an 11-year-old child in Hatiya, Noakhali. The incident took place Tuesday in Adarsha Gram No. 4 of Horni union in the upazila. The accused, Helal Uddin, works as a village doctor (rural medical practitioner). Locals claim he regularly took part in Jamaat's programs.

According to local sources, the child, along with her younger sister, was returning home after buying spices from a shop when Helal Uddin called her into the shop. It is alleged that he then left the younger sister outside, took the child behind the shop, and attempted to touch her inappropriately. When the child screamed and ran out, the matter came to light, and a village arbitration was subsequently held.

Those present at the arbitration said the allegation of attempted rape was not proven. However, based on the allegation of inappropriately touching the child, those present agreed to punish the accused with 50 lashes and a fine of 10,000 taka.

Denying the allegation, Helal Uddin said he did not do any such thing and that he is being defamed through a conspiracy against him.

Hafez Tariful Mawla, Ameer of Horni Union Jamaat, claimed that Helal Uddin is not a member or activist of Jamaat. He said Helal Uddin had previously been involved in Awami League politics and later attended various Jamaat programs, but was never made a member of the party.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatiya police station, Mohammad Kabir Hossain, said he learned of the incident through journalists. No complaint has been filed at the police station so far. If a complaint is received, an investigation will be conducted and necessary action taken in accordance with the law.