Local residents organized a human chain and protest march on Sunday afternoon, demanding severe punishment for two men accused of kidnapping and raping an eighth-grade student in Bilkula village, under Ataikula Police Station in Santhia upazila, Pabna.
The hour-long demonstration took place in front of Bilkula Government Primary School.
Speakers at the event alleged that the accused, Jewel and Mamun, are known local drug dealers with a history of criminal activities. Strongly condemning the Wednesday night assault, protesters demanded the immediate arrest and capital punishment of the perpetrators. They also accused the local police of negligence in handling the case.
Those who addressed the crowd included Bilkula Government Primary School Headmaster Lutfar Rahman, alongside community members Alhaj Hamid Fakir, Shakil Hossain, Algir Hossain, Masud Rana, Sohel Rana, Arman Hossain, Fazlal Fakir, and several students.
Mojibur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Ataikula Police Station, confirmed that a case has been filed regarding the incident. He assured the public that the perpetrators would be arrested shortly and brought to justice.
