HC directs BTRC to remove Cumilla rape video, ensures victim’s safety

The Bangladesh High Court has ordered the removal of a viral video from social media that shows a 25-year-old woman being raped in Muradnagar, Cumilla. The video must be taken down within 24 hours, the court directed.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has been instructed to comply immediately. The court also emphasized providing the victim with sufficient security and medical care.

The order was issued on Sunday by a bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Syed Zahed Mansur following a petition filed by lawyer Mir A K M Nurunnabi. The petition will be reviewed again on July 14, when the court will expect updates on the investigation.

Meanwhile, Fazr Ali, the main accused, was arrested early Sunday morning in Dhaka’s Sayedabad area. He hails from Purba Para village in Muradnagar. Earlier, four other individuals from the same village were detained for sharing the video online.

Cumilla Police Superintendent Nazir Ahmed Khan confirmed the arrests and said the video sparked widespread public outrage demanding swift action.

The victim had filed a rape case at Muradnagar police station against Fazr Ali shortly after the incident. Police used technology to track down and arrest the accused.

Sources say the victim had come to her father’s home from her husband’s residence about 15 days before the incident.