A woman on Friday appealed for justice over allegations of assault and rape while attending an iftar gathering organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the capital’s Uttara area.
The woman, Rashida Akter (35), broke down in tears as she approached NCP Chief Organizer Nasiruddin Patwary at the event held at Uttara Friends Club ground. She alleged that she had been assaulted and attacked with acid last year at Gabtoli cattle market after visiting the market during Eid-ul-Azha to see sacrificial animals.
According to Rashida, the attack was carried out by associates of a former film industry villain, who allegedly ordered the assault.
She further alleged that after she filed a case in court over the incident, her 14-year-old daughter was later raped in retaliation.
Speaking at the iftar gathering, Nasiruddin Patwary warned of launching nationwide programmes against rape if the authorities fail to take effective action.
“We have seen party-backed goons taking part in rape with political patronage,” Patwary said.
He also urged the government to take immediate steps to address the growing concern.
“The first task of the Home Minister is to stop rape in Bangladesh.”
Patwary added that criminals should not be shielded by political identities.
“We want to make it clear that criminals have no political party. Do not allow anyone to misuse party identity to escape justice.”
The NCP’s Dhaka divisional iftar event was attended by several party leaders, including NCP Convener Nahid Islam, MP, Special Guest Akhtar Hossain, MP, party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam, and leaders from different district and upazila units of the party.
