8-year-old girl passes away a week after sexual assault

Dhaka

An 8-year-old girl, brutally raped last week in Magura, died on Thursday at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. She fought for her life for seven days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) but passed away at 1:00 pm, as reported by The Daily Star. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed her death, leaving the nation in shock and grief.

The girl suffered multiple cardiac arrests—four on Wednesday and two more on Thursday morning. Her condition worsened with low blood pressure and oxygen levels, despite being on life support. The Bangladesh Army had urged people to pray for her recovery, but she could not survive her injuries. The attack happened when her sister’s father-in-law raped her, causing severe harm. She was first treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before moving to CMH.

Protests erupted across Bangladesh as students and teachers from Dhaka University, North South University, and others rallied against rising rape cases. They demanded harsh punishment for the culprit. The University Teachers’ Network also condemned violence against women at a Dhaka University event, blaming the interim government’s failure to maintain law and order.

Fauzia Moslem of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad told The Daily Star, “Lawlessness is growing, and criminals face no accountability.” Under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, in power since August 2024, violence against women has spiked, sparking outrage. Many call for Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury’s removal, accusing the regime of letting crime worsen. The nation mourns as anger grows over this tragedy.