Fourth grader rape victim hospitalised for pregnancy

A pregnant fourth grader rape victim is fighting for her life at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal, reports UNB.

She was hospitalised on 10 December in a critical condition, the news agency quoted Mridula Kor, registrar of the hospital, to say.

She became pregnant after being raped reportedly by her teacher and two neighbours earlier this year.

A teacher of Bhojmahal Government Primary school in Faridpur union of Bakerganj raped the girl first. Later two neighbours raped her again, the victim and her mother stated.

The perpetrating teacher, aided by one of his female colleagues, raped the victim in his room about nine months ago, the mother said.

The accused reportedly assaulted the victim’s mother for seeking justice. The woman said she filed a case at Bakerganj police station on 22 August but could not mention names of the rapists following pressure from a local powerful quarter.

The girl’s mother works as a domestic help and her father is a small vegetable trader.

Barishal district police chief Saiful Islam visited the victim in the hospital after being informed from journalists, UNB says adding that the police official promised to cover the medical expenses and take legal action against the accused.

Jewel Hawlader, one of the accused neighbours, is in jail in connection with the case.