Youth Arrested for Assaulting Young Women at Munshiganj Launch Terminal

Staff Correspondent

Police have arrested a young man named Nehal Ahmed, alias Jihad, in connection with the public assault of two young women aboard a stationary launch at Munshiganj Launch Terminal. The incident, which occurred on a picnic launch, sparked outrage nationwide after a video of the assault went viral on social media. Nehal, a resident of Dakshin Islambagh in Munshiganj Sadar Upazila, was detained by police on Saturday afternoon.

According to the police, the assault took place on the launch “MV Captain,” and the victims are estimated to be between 19 and 20 years old. Munshiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Alam stated that the video of the incident began circulating on social media on Friday. In the video, a young man is seen using a belt to assault two young women at the front section of the launch while bystanders cheer and chant slogans. The victims appeared helpless during the attack.

Police reported that the incident occurred on Friday around 3:30 PM when a group of 200–300 passengers boarded the launch from Keraniganj for a river cruise. The launch initially stopped at Sadarghat and then set out for Mohanpur in Chandpur. Around 8 PM, the launch stopped at Munshiganj Launch Terminal for refreshments, where tensions arose over a demand for additional fees. At this point, a group led by the accused stormed the launch, conducted a search, caused damage, and assaulted several passengers, including the two young women.

The police arrived promptly, controlled the situation, and sent the launch back to Dhaka.

OC Saiful Alam mentioned that no written complaints have been filed yet. One of the victims was advised to take legal action but has refused and is currently unreachable, as her phone remains switched off. If no complaints are lodged, the police will file a case as the complainant. Additionally, the river police are coordinating with the launch authorities regarding the incident.