Suspect Detained After Assault on Minor in Khulna

Authorities in Khulna have apprehended a 40-year-old man following the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in the Khalishpur district of the city. The incident, which has sparked local outrage, occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, 28 February 2026, near the Peoples Gate area.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

According to police reports, the harrowing ordeal came to light shortly after it occurred, prompting immediate intervention from local residents who assisted in the rescue of the child. The victim was subsequently transported to Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH), where she is currently receiving specialised medical care.

Medical professionals at the hospital have confirmed that the victim is undergoing a comprehensive forensic examination and necessary clinical tests to document the extent of the assault. Hospital sources indicate that while the child is stable, she is suffering from significant psychological trauma.

Vulnerability of the Victim

The victim hails from an impoverished background, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of children in lower-income urban settlements. Local residents noted that the child’s mother supports the family by working as a domestic helper, leaving the minor frequently unsupervised or in communal areas while she earns a living.

The suspect, identified by police as Shipon (40), was detained following a swift operation by the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP).

Legal Proceedings and Police Statement

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khalishpur Police Station, Touhiduzzaman, confirmed the arrest and stated that a formal case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

"We have taken the accused into custody based on preliminary evidence and eyewitness accounts," OC Touhiduzzaman stated. "Our primary focus is ensuring that the forensic evidence is preserved and that the victim receives the highest standard of care. We are committed to a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served swiftly."

The police have also increased patrols in the Khalishpur area to reassure the community and prevent any retaliatory violence against the suspect’s family or properties. Human rights activists in the region have called for the trial to be fast-tracked, citing the sensitivity of the crime and the age of the victim.