A teenage girl was found dead in a crop field in Madhabdi of Narsingdi, sparking widespread outrage as her family alleged that she was raped and murdered after weeks of threats and intimidation. Police said an investigation is underway and that forensic findings will be crucial in determining the exact cause of death.
The victim, Amena Akter, 15, worked at a local garment factory and lived with her family in the Bilpar area of Madhabdi. Her body was recovered early Thursday morning from a nearby agricultural field.
Narsingdi Additional Superintendent of Police Sujan Chandra Sarkar confirmed the recovery and said the girl was found with a scarf wrapped around her neck.
“From the initial observation, it appears to be a homicide. However, the exact details will be known after the post-mortem examination,” Sarkar told journalists in Narsingdi on Thursday.
According to the victim’s family, the killing followed a series of violent acts that began nearly two weeks earlier. Amena’s father, Ashraf Hossain, told reporters that his daughter had been abducted and gang-raped by a local man and several of his associates.
“About 15 days ago, Nurul Islam and four or five others abducted my daughter while she was returning home and raped her,” Ashraf said. “When we tried to file a case, they threatened to kill us.”
He further alleged that the family was physically prevented from reaching the police station.
“When we were on our way to the police, they blocked us on the road. Out of fear, we had to return home,” he said.
After being unable to file a case, the family said they informed a local Union Parishad member about the incident. According to Ashraf Hossain, the issue was allegedly addressed through local mediation.
“We informed a local UP member, who said the matter was settled through arbitration,” he said. “But even after that, Nurul continued to harass my daughter.”
The Union Parishad member named by the family, Ahmed Ullah, denied arranging any such mediation when contacted by journalists.
Amena’s mother, Fahima Begum, said her daughter had previously been in a relationship with the accused. After the family learned about it, they asked him to marry her, but he refused.
Fearing further harm, the family decided to send Amena to stay with relatives.
On Wednesday night, Ashraf Hossain said he was escorting his daughter to a relative’s house when they were intercepted.
“At around 10pm in the Baroitola area, Nurul and his associates stopped us and forcibly took my daughter away,” he said.
The following morning, local residents found Amena’s body lying in a nearby field.
“They raped my daughter and then killed her,” Ashraf alleged.
Madhabdi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Kamal Hossain said one suspect, Ebadullah, 38, has been detained in connection with the case.
“The main accused, Nurul Islam, is currently absconding. We are conducting raids to arrest him,” the officer told reporters, adding that the victim’s family is preparing to file a formal case.
The body was sent to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital for autopsy. Hospital Resident Medical Officer Farida Gulshana Kabir said the post-mortem examination would determine whether there were signs of sexual assault and establish the cause of death.
The incident has sparked anger among local residents, who questioned why the family was unable to seek legal protection earlier despite serious allegations and threats.
Rights activists say the case highlights deep concerns about how sexual violence complaints are handled, particularly when victims’ families face intimidation or pressure into informal settlements.
“Rape and murder are criminal offences and must be dealt with strictly through the law, not local mediation,” a women’s rights advocate said.
As the investigation continues, residents and civil society groups are demanding swift arrests and exemplary punishment for those responsible, warning that delays could further erode public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
