Jamaat leader arrested after attempting to rape woman

A local Jamaat-e-Islami leader has been arrested in Mirzaganj Upazila of Patuakhali for allegedly attempting to rape a woman after calling her to his residence under the pretext of providing a protective amulet (tabiz).

Police apprehended the suspect, 45-year-old Md. Mostafizur Rahman Mahabub, from Uttar Choita village in Madhabkhali Union on Friday morning. The incident was confirmed by Md. Mohsin Howlader, a local union parishad member. Mahabub, the son of the late Joynal Moulvi, serves as the president of the Ward No. 4 unit of Jamaat-e-Islami in Madhabkhali Union and operates a local pharmacy as a rural physician.

According to the victim's statement, Mahabub summoned her to his house on Thursday evening under the guise of preparing an amulet for her nephew. Once inside, he allegedly attempted to assault her by force.

Local sources and police revealed that the woman first met Mahabub about a year ago regarding a family dispute, after which she visited him occasionally for spiritual remedies. On the morning of the incident, Mahabub reportedly sent his wife and children to his in-laws' house before asking the woman over in the evening. After they spent nearly two hours inside the house, neighbors gathered outside upon hearing the woman's screams and notified the police. Authorities arrived at the scene, detained Mahabub, and subsequently recorded a formal case filed by the victim.

Commenting on the arrest, Maulana Sirajul Islam, the Upazila Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that the party had not yet been formally notified of the details but assured that organizational action would be taken if the allegations are proven true.

Md. Towhiduzzaman, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Mirzaganj Police Station, confirmed that Mahabub was officially arrested under the assault attempt case filed by the victim, adding that further legal proceedings are currently underway.