Sunamganj Correspondent:
In a significant breakthrough, police have arrested a man accused of raping an 11-year-old schoolgirl in the Gaurarang Union of Sunamganj Sadar Upazila. The arrest comes nearly two months after the incident, following allegations of a cover-up attempt by local influential figures.

The Incident
On the afternoon of Monday, March 23, 2026, a 4th-grade student was heading home in Naluapara village. She was intercepted by a local man, Badrul Alam, who allegedly held a knife to her throat and forcibly raped her. The assault was interrupted when a shepherd noticed the scene, causing the perpetrator to flee.

The shepherd rescued the injured girl and brought her to her relatives, who then took her to the Sunamganj Sadar Model Thana. The Officer-in-Charge (OC), Md. Ratan Sheikh (PPM), immediately sent the child to the Sadar Hospital for treatment and repeatedly urged the parents to file a formal case.

Allegations of a Cover-up
Investigations reveal that despite the police’s advice, the family did not initially file a case due to pressure from local leaders. It is alleged that Gaurarang Union Chairman Showkat Ali, along with a local named Shahnur and several “panchayat” brokers, discouraged the family from seeking legal action. They reportedly promised the family “justice” through local mediation as a tactic to suppress the matter.

After two months of delay and realizing they were being misled, the victim’s family finally filed a complaint in court. The court subsequently ordered the Sunamganj Sadar Thana to take immediate legal action.

Investigation and Arrest
Upon receiving the court order, OC Md. Ratan Sheikh initiated a rigorous operation. The case gained widespread public attention after KM Shahidul, the district correspondent for Dainik Sakaler Somoy, published an investigative report on social media on June 5.

Following an intensive search and coordination with other police stations, the accused, Badrul Alam (son of Md. Sar Mamud from Bherajali Naluapara village), was apprehended on the night of Sunday, June 7, 2026. He was caught in the Sylhet Airport Thana area with the assistance of a specialized police team from that jurisdiction.

Official Statement
Confirming the arrest, OC Md. Ratan Sheikh (PPM) stated:

“The perpetrator, Badrul Alam, has been detained and will be produced before the court. We are also investigating those who attempted to suppress this heinous crime and cover up the rape of an 11-year-old child. No one involved in the cover-up will be spared; they will all be brought to justice through a proper investigation.”

Public Reaction
The news of the arrest has brought a sense of relief to the local community. Civil society members and concerned citizens visited the police station to demand exemplary punishment for the rapist and legal action against the individuals who tried to hide the incident. They also expressed their gratitude to OC Ratan Sheikh for his proactive role in ensuring the arrest.