18-Year-Old Girl Raped While Heading Home for Her Wedding in Habiganj

An 18-year-old girl was raped, and her 17-year-old cousin assaulted in Shayestaganj, Habiganj, on Wednesday night while returning home for the girl's wedding. The two, both domestic workers in Dhaka, had hired an autorickshaw late at night. The driver deviated from the route, picked up three men, and stopped in a secluded area where the attackers raped the 18-year-old and tried to assault her cousin, who managed to escape and later sought help from locals. The perpetrators also stole Tk 1.59 lakh, the girl's wedding savings. A case was filed against four individuals, including the driver, and police arrested one suspect, Parvez Mia, 25, who admitted his involvement. The victim is receiving medical care, and police investigations are ongoing. The girl’s mother said the incident had shattered their dreams of a joyous wedding celebration.