Khagrachari Protests: 800 School children Demand Justice for Gang-Rape of Hindu Tripuri Girl

Khagrachari, Bangladesh, July 20, 2025 – On July 17, 2025, at least 800 schoolchildren took to the streets of Khagrachari Sadar, Bangladesh, demanding swift and exemplary punishment for six individuals accused of the horrific gang-rape of a 14-year-old Hindu Tripuri girl. The assault, which occurred on June 27 near the Bhaibonchhara police camp during the Ratha Yatra festival, has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

A Traumatic Crime Sparks Outrage

The victim, a Class VIII student at Munigram High School, was staying at a relative’s house after attending the Ratha Yatra fair when the six accused—identified as Emon Hossain, Enayat Hossain, Saddam Hossain, Arman Hossain, Munir Islam, and Sohel Islam—forcibly entered the home, tied up a relative, and gang-raped the minor. The perpetrators, reportedly affiliated with the youth and student wings of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), filmed the heinous act and intimidated the victim into silence. The trauma led the girl to attempt suicide by consuming poison on July 12, after which she revealed the ordeal to her family. She is currently in critical condition at Khagrachari Sadar Hospital, battling both physical and mental distress.

Community Uprising and Arrests

The incident came to light when the victim’s father filed a complaint at Khagrachari Sadar Police Station on July 16. Police acted swiftly, arresting four of the accused—Arman Hossain (32), Emon Hossain (25), Enayat Hossain (35), and Saddam Hossain (32)—on July 16. The remaining two, Munir Islam (29) and Sohel Islam (23), are still at large, with authorities continuing their efforts to apprehend them. Khagrachari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel confirmed the arrests and the suspects’ ties to BNP’s Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal.

The protests, led by hundreds of schoolchildren and supported by locals, reflect growing anger over the targeting of minority communities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. Demonstrators clapped and chanted slogans, demanding “direct action” against the perpetrators and highlighting concerns about rising violence against minorities. Posts on X echoed the public’s fury, with one user stating, “Spontaneous protests break out in Chittagong Hill Tracts after a Hindu Tripuri minor girl was gang-raped by Muslim men affiliated to BNP.”

A Pattern of Violence Against Hindus

This incident is part of a disturbing trend of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Rights groups like the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) have reported 13 gang-rapes of Hindu women in Cumilla alone since April 2025, pointing to an “entrenched pattern” of targeting minority women. The Khagrachari case has reignited concerns about the safety of Hindus, with many on X questioning why such atrocities often go unpunished. One user noted, “The 14-year-old Hindu girl attempted suicide after being gang-raped by 6 Islamists. Four arrested, but two are absconding. Why is this not global news?”

Calls for Justice and Accountability

The Hindu community, alongside women’s rights organizations and students, is demanding stricter laws and faster justice for victims of such crimes. The protests in Khagrachari echo similar demonstrations in Dhaka and Cumilla, where students and minority groups have rallied for safety and accountability. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the protection of Hindus and other minorities, citing recent attacks on Hindu temples and communities.

While BNP’s district General Secretary MN Absar denied the accused’s active membership, claiming they were “verbally expelled” after August 2024, locals and activists insist on a fair trial and severe punishment. The viral spread of the crime’s video has further fueled public outrage, with calls for the High Court to intervene and remove such content from social media.

A Community United for Change

The courage of Khagrachari’s schoolchildren has brought national attention to this tragedy, amplifying demands for systemic change. As the victim fights for her life, the Hindu community and its allies continue to press for justice, safety, and respect for minority rights in Bangladesh. This incident underscores the urgent need for dialogue on protecting vulnerable communities and addressing the root causes of such violence.

What are your thoughts on this incident? How can Bangladesh ensure justice for the victim and safety for its minorities? Share your views below and join the conversation on protecting human rights.

Published on July 20, 2025, by Hindutone News. For more updates on Hindu community issues, follow us on Hindutone.com.

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