By 
Amrit K. Tamber
Young girl protesting holding Bangladesh Flag, by Nahmad Hassan via Pexels, 2024.
The tragic rape and death of an eight-year old girl in Magura district of Bangladesh have sparked protests across the country, prompting demands for more legal protection for women and children.
Bangladesh is currently experiencing nationwide protests following the gruesome rape and murder of an eight-year old girl in Magura. The girl, who was attacked when she visited her sister’s house, passed away in hospital after six days in hospital. The main suspect, her sister’s father-in-law, has been arrested.
Her death has provoked nationwide outrage, led by students and women’s right activists. Students at Dhaka University held a protest march and boycott funeral in violation of a ban imposed by the police. Protestors demand stricter laws to protect women and children, a clear legal definition of rape, and quick justice.
Her body was taken to Magura amidst the protests where locals have burned the suspect’s house and thousands joined her funeral procession. The killing has prompted fear of increasing crime and the government’s failure to act. Activists say that there is unreported sexual violence because of shame brought to families and the absence of punishment. The caretaker government, in turn, promised justice as they are pledging quicker investigations and trials; this would decrease the duration of cases from 30 to 15 days and trials from 180 days to 90 days.
Sources and Further Reading:
Molla, M. A.M (2025, March 17). How many more 8-year olds will we have to bury? The Daily Star. Accessed 17 March 2025. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/how-many-more-8-year-olds-will-we-have-bury-3847061
Rahman Sarkar, A. (2025, March 17). Bangladesh erupts in protests over rape and murder of eight-year-old girl. The Independent. Accessed 17 March 2025. https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/bangladesh-magura-child-rape-death-protest-b2715932.html
Rahman, S. (2025, March 17). Bangladesh erupts in protests over rape and murder of eight-year old girl. BBC News. Accessed 17 March 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce30k9g6x2eo
The Business Standard. (2025, March 13). Magura rape victim child passes away. The Business Standard. Accessed 17 March 2025. https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/magura-rape-victim-child-passes-away-1091446
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