In Singra Upazila, Natore, a father was brutally assaulted. He had his hand broken by a group of local youths after he protested against the harassment of his daughter and refused to marry her off. The victim, 55-year-old Fotik Ali of Italy Union, lodged a written complaint with the Singra Police Station on Monday (March 9).
The incident reportedly took place on Sunday evening, after which Fotik Ali was first admitted to Singra Upazila Health Complex and later transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in serious condition.
According to local sources and police, Fotik Ali has one son and one daughter. His daughter, 23, lost her husband in Dhaka about two months ago and has since been living in her parental home.
Iman Ali (20), son of Ayub Ali, reportedly proposed to the young widow, but she refused. Following this, Iman Ali and his friends allegedly harassed the woman repeatedly in public, threatening to marry her forcibly. When Fotik Ali raised the matter with Iman Ali’s family, tensions escalated.
Fotik Ali told police:
“After Iftar on Sunday, I went to the pond near my house. Iman, Rana, Hasan, and a few others ambushed me, covering my mouth and dragging me to a secluded place.”
“There, I was brutally beaten and attacked with the intent to kill. When someone approached on a motorcycle, they fled the scene.”
The young widow, the victim’s daughter, said:
“My husband lived in Dhaka, and we have a son and a daughter. He passed away about two months ago. Since then, Iman repeatedly harassed me, threatened to forcibly marry me, and abducted me. When my father opposed this, he was attacked with the intent to kill.”
She demanded justice for her father and herself, emphasizing the severity of the assault.
Police and local sources noted that the accused, Iman Ali, and his friends went into hiding, making it impossible to obtain their statements. Attempts to reach Iman Ali by phone were unsuccessful.
Dr. Sadia Sultana, a medical officer at Singra Health Complex, confirmed:
“Fotik Ali sustained multiple injuries. X-rays show that his right hand is broken. He was transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for further treatment.”
Singra Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge A B M Abdur Nur said:
“We have received a written complaint regarding this incident. Further legal procedures are currently underway.”
This incident highlights escalating violence related to harassment and forced marriage attempts in rural areas, raising concerns over safety, justice, and law enforcement responsiveness.
