BNP Leader Accused of Pressuring to Settle Child Molestation Case for Tk 20,000

Local Correspondent

In Companiganj, Noakhali, allegations have surfaced against a local BNP leader for pressuring the family of a 7-year-old girl, who was attempted to be molested on her way to madrasa, to settle the matter through arbitration for Tk 20,000.

The arbitration meeting took place on Sunday afternoon behind a house in Ward No. 6 of Musapur Union. Led by a local BNP leader, the family of the victim was pressured to accept a settlement of Tk 20,000. However, the family refused to comply and filed a case on Sunday. On Monday, the accused, Md. Shahrukh (19), was arrested in Noakhali.

The incident occurred last Saturday morning when Shahrukh lured the girl to a secluded area on her way to madrasa and attempted to molest her. When the girl screamed, a passerby intervened, and Shahrukh fled. After the incident came to light, locals attempted to resolve the matter through arbitration.

At one point, the arbitrators ruled that Shahrukh’s family should pay Tk 20,000 to the victim’s family. However, the girl’s mother insisted on proper legal action and refused to accept the local arbitration. On Sunday, she filed a case under the Women and Child Abuse Prevention Act at Companiganj Police Station.

Before the case was filed, the arbitration meeting took place on Sunday, and a video of the meeting went viral. In the video, a relative of Shahrukh tells the arbitrators, “We will accept whatever you decide.” Another person responds, “That’s why you signed the agreement.”

During the arbitration, Md. Ali, alias Jonny, a former joint general secretary of Musapur Union BNP and one of the arbitrators, stated, “Shahrukh is accused because he fled the scene. With everyone’s consent, instead of going to court, we have decided that Shahrukh will pay a fine of Tk 20,000 and receive 20 lashes from his guardians.”

Jonny added, “If this decision is accepted, the stamp will remain with arbitrator Alamgir. If not, take the stamp.” Alamgir then said, “The stamp will not be given.”

The arbitrators instructed Shahrukh’s father to carry out the lashing, but his father said the fine would be paid the next day. Shahrukh’s mother then lashed him a few times before he left.

Local residents have expressed outrage over the incident and demanded that the arbitrators who pressured for a settlement be brought under legal action.

Md. Ali, alias Jonny, claimed he is a former general secretary of the upazila Chhatra Dal and identified himself as the general secretary of Musapur Union BNP. He stated that most arbitrators were associated with BNP politics. He also mentioned that Bahar Contractor is the general secretary of Musapur Union Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD).

Jonny said, “On Sunday afternoon, arbitrators Jasim, Nayan, Bahar Contractor, Saiful from Sikdar’s house, Dulal, Harun, and the victim’s mother called me to the arbitration. The incident happened near my house. I went because the girl’s mother was crying. It was wrong of me to go.”

He alleged that political opponents are trying to tarnish his reputation by making the arbitration video viral.

Nurul Alam Sikdar, the convener of Companiganj Upazila BNP, stated that while Md. Ali Jonny is involved in BNP politics, he does not hold any responsible position. They are looking into the matter.

Acting Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Companiganj Police Station, Gazi Muhammad Fozzul Azim, said, “I have seen the arbitration video. Those involved will be identified and brought under the law.”

He confirmed that Shahrukh, the sole accused in the child molestation case, was arrested on Monday afternoon from Sonapur Zero Point area in Noakhali city.