Bangladesh: Widow Tied to Tree, Hair Cut After Alleged Sexual Assault

The article reviews recent violence against minorities in Bangladesh, focusing on a Hindu widow's rape case, mob lynchings, and concerns about minority safety. It also covers government and police responses and the broader context of communal tensions.

A series of brutal attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh has raised fresh concern about safety for minorities. On the same day a Hindu widow in Kaliganj alleged gang rape and torture, a separate mob assault in Shariatpur claimed the life of Khokon Chandra Das, who later died from burn injuries.

These incidents follow a string of violent attacks in recent weeks, many involving mobs and public humiliation. India has already said it is worried about what it called the "unremitting hostility" towards minorities in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, and is monitoring developments closely.

Bangladesh violence against minorities and the Kaliganj gang rape case

According to a police complaint, a 40-year-old Hindu widow in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, said two men gang-raped and tortured her. The accused allegedly tied the survivor to a tree, hacked off her hair, and filmed the assault. The video was then circulated on social media, adding to the humiliation.

The woman stated that the attack happened on Saturday evening inside her two-storey home in Ward No. 7 of Kaliganj municipality. Relatives from her native village were visiting when Shahin and Hasan allegedly broke in, raped her, and demanded 50,000 taka, which is roughly equivalent to Rs 37,000.

Bangladesh violence against minorities, land dispute and police response

In the complaint, the widow said she had bought three decimals of land and the house from Shahin and Shahin's brother for 2 million taka about two-and-a-half years ago. She alleged that, after the sale, Shahin began harassing her with indecent proposals, which the woman rejected, leading to regular intimidation.

The survivor told police that, when she refused to pay the 50,000 taka, the assailants beat her visiting relatives and forced them to leave. As she screamed, Shahin and Hasan allegedly tied the woman to a tree, cut off her hair, and continued to torture her until she became unconscious.

Bangladesh violence against minorities and official medical findings

Neighbours reportedly found the woman in that condition and took the survivor to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital. Dr. Md Mostafizur Rahman, the hospital superintendent, said the widow did not disclose the alleged rape immediately. Medical examination later indicated abuse, after which the woman lodged a case at Kaliganj Police Station.

Jhenaidah Additional Superintendent of Police Billal Hossain said, "We have called the survivor to the police station and recorded her complaint. After investigation, the police will take the highest possible legal action." The case names Shahin and Hasan as the accused, and police say inquiries into the claims are ongoing.

Wider Bangladesh violence against minorities and recent mob attacks

The widow’s alleged rape took place on the day Khokon Chandra Das, a Hindu man, died from burn injuries in Shariatpur district. Das was attacked by a mob, set on fire, and escaped by jumping into a pond, but died from the wounds on Saturday despite medical treatment.

Earlier, on December 24, another Hindu youth, Amrit Mondal, was reportedly lynched by a mob in Kalimohar Union. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government condemned the killing but said Mondal was an extortionist and insisted there was no communal motive. That position has drawn attention amid rising anxiety among minorities.

On December 18, 25-year-old Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das was also lynched after being falsely accused of blasphemy, according to reports. Das’s body was later hung from a tree and set on fire. The Bangladesh government has responded to international concern by stating that it remains committed to protecting minorities.