Justice delivered for Rape Survivor in Faridpur: Death Penalty and Compensation Signal Shift in Proper and Prompt Action
In a landmark ruling for child protection and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Bangladesh, a Faridpur court has sentenced a man to death for the rape of a 13-year-old girl with physical and mental disabilities. The court also ordered that the victim receive Taka 5 lakh in compensation, to be collected through the sale of the convict’s land and property.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Shamima Parvin of the Faridpur Women and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal. The accused, Md Nuruddin Molla, 57, was present in court during the sentencing and has since been sent to jail custody.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident took place on September 23, 2023, in Kosha Gopalpur village under Kanaipur Union of Faridpur Sadar. The victim, who has both mental and physical disabilities, was home alone when Molla, a neighbour, entered the house and raped her. The crime was witnessed by the girl’s cousin, who saw the act through a window. Neighbours rushed to rescue the child and took her to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The survivor’s father later filed a case at Faridpur Kotwali Police Station, leading to Molla’s arrest and eventual prosecution.
Speaking on the ruling, Public Prosecutor Advocate Golam Rabbani Bhuiyan Ratan said, “We believe justice has been served. The court has delivered the strongest possible sentence under the law.”
Rising Concerns for Youth SRHR in Bangladesh
The case has reignited national concerns around the vulnerability of girls with disabilities and the broader state of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the country.
A UNFPA-BBS survey (2024) revealed that 70% of ever-married women in Bangladesh have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, and nearly 41% reported physical or sexual abuse within the last year. Another study by Handicap International showed that girls and women with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to face sexual violence due to isolation and dependence on others.
Legal experts and child rights activists praised the court’s decision to enforce monetary compensation by selling the perpetrator’s property, calling it a practical move to ensure that victims of sexual violence receive financial support for recovery and rehabilitation.
A Step Forward, but Challenges Remain
While the verdict marks a significant step forward in delivering justice, experts stress the need for broader reforms — including faster trial processes, disability-inclusive support services, and stronger community protection systems—to uphold SRHR for all youth.
While this ruling sends a powerful message, rights groups continue to urge the government to invest in awareness, prevention, and care services to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place.
Source: The Business Standard
Photo Credit: Khandaker Abidur Rahman/TBS