5th grader 'raped'

A class V student, who was allegedly raped by a neighbour nine days ago in Jhikargachha upazila, was brought to a hospital in Jessore on Wednesday night.

Her father said village elders assured him of settling the matter through village arbitration and asked him not to take the girl to a hospital.

Seeing the arbitration get delayed, the father brought her to the hospital.

Doctors said the victim was not in danger.

The grieving man said his daughter was at home alone on February 21 evening when Asadul Islam, 35, a grocery store owner, sneaked in and raped her.

The alleged rapist ran away when neighbours rushed to the scene hearing the girl's screams for help.

The father said he would file a case as soon as the hospital confirmed the rape.

He added that local influential people also told him not to talk to journalists.

The child said the alleged rapist attacked her when she was studying at home.

Masud Karim, officer-in-charge of Jhikargachha Police Station, said the alleged rapist was staying away from home in what seemed like an attempt to avoid police.