Saidul Islam Montu, Betagi (Barguna)

 Residents, students, and guardians formed a human chain in Betagi upazila of Barguna on Thursday, demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the brutal assault of a fifth-grade schoolgirl after a failed rape attempt.

The demonstration was held on afternoon under a joint banner at the Gabtali Government Primary School ground in Sarishamuri Union of the upazila. Hundreds of local residents, teachers, students, and citizens joined the program to register their outrage over the remaining suspects fleeing arrest.

Addressing the human chain, Sarishamuri Union Parishad Acting Chairman Md. Idris Alam along with local dignitaries strongly condemned the violence, stating that such brutality against an innocent child is an unforgivable crime. Speakers warned that demonstrations will continue until all accused individuals are apprehended and given maximum punishment under the law.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Monday, when a local stalker named Faisal Mridha attacked the fifth-grade student on the school premises following classes after failing to rape her. During the assault, the attacker kicked the child in the face, knocking out three of her upper front teeth and breaking two others. On Monday night, the victim's mother filed a case naming three individuals at the Betagi Police Station. News and video footage of the incident went viral on social media, sparking nationwide indignation.

The victim is currently undergoing treatment at Barguna General Hospital, as her family lacks the financial resources to transfer her to a specialized dental facility. Hospital authorities confirmed that infection has set in where her front teeth were uprooted.

Barguna General Hospital RMO  Dr. Mahmud Murshid stated on Thursday that medical staff are managing the infection before dental procedures can begin, noting that while the victim is out of danger, she will require long-term hospitalization to recover fully. Her mother appealed to the administration to arrange advanced treatment at a specialized dental unit and requested swift justice.

Betagi Police Station OC  Md. Harun-or-Rashid Hawlader stated that police drives are currently ongoing to arrest the remaining fugitives named in the case.