BLAST demands action over assault of two girls at Munshiganj launch terminal

Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) has called for immediate legal action over the assault of two girls at Munshiganj launch terminal.

In a press statement issued last night, the organisation urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, hold those responsible to account, and guarantee the safety of the victims.

The assault occurred at approximately 9:30pm on Friday (May 9) as the two female persons were returning home from a picnic on a launch operating on the Dhaka-Lalmohan route.

According to media reports, a man identified as Nehal Ahmed Jihad physically attacked the two female persons in public. Disturbingly, he later admitted to the assault, claiming he did it to "teach them a lesson as a brother".

BLAST stated that the incident constitutes a serious criminal offence under several provisions of Bangladesh law, including Section 323 of the Penal Code (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), and Section 354 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty). The incident may also fall under provisions of the Children Act 2013 (where applicable) and Section 10 of the Prevention of Women and Children Repression Act, 2000.

Moreover, BLAST emphasised that such acts of violence are in clear violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh, particularly Article 31 (the right to protection under the law) and Article 35(5) (protection regarding trial and punishment).

BLAST has already submitted a formal complaint to the inspector general of police (IGP) regarding the incident.

In addition to demanding legal action, the rights organisation has urged the government to issue a clear directive to ensure justice under the existing laws and to enforce accountability for the perpetrators. It has also called for robust protective measures for the victims.

BLAST reiterated the urgency of a prompt, impartial investigation and the need to ensure that justice is served in order to prevent similar incidents in future.