Dhaka, March 13: The 8-year-old rape victim passed away on Thursday at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Bangladesh’s capital city, Dhaka, after fighting for her life for a week, according to local media reports.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that she died at the CMH around 1:00 pm, reports the leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star.

She had suffered several cardiac arrests as of Thursday morning while on life support at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of CMH, according to the office of the interim government’s Chief Advisor.

On Thursday morning, the victim suffered two more cardiac arrests after already experiencing four on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh Army issued a statement on social media on Wednesday and stated that the condition of the 8-year-old remains critical and her blood pressure and oxygen levels are dangerously low.

The army urged people to pray for her, however, the child succumbed to her injuries.

The incident occurred when the victim was raped by her sister’s father-in-law in Magura last week.

The victim, who sustained critical injuries, was initially treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to CMH Hospital for advanced care.

In recent days several students and teachers from different universities across the country, including Dhaka University, North South University, Independent University, Bangladesh, and Rajshahi University, demonstrated against the rising rape incidents, including that of the eight-year-old child in Magura, and demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of the crime.

Outraged over the rising incidents of gender-based violence across Bangladesh, the ‘University Teachers’ Network’ also held a gathering last week at Dhaka University’s Aparajeyo Bangla, where teachers and students of six universities nationwide participated.

The protestors condemned ongoing violence against women, discussed its root causes, and criticised government failures.

Dhaka University Professor Tasneem Siraj Mahboob called for the dismissal of the Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, instead of his resignation, emphasising that she had demanded this months ago.

“Resignation is an honourable exit. He doesn’t deserve that honour,” leading Bangladeshi daily The Dhaka Tribune quoted her as saying.

The statistics on violence against women in Bangladesh have exposed the grim reality in the country under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime.

Addressing the situation of violence against women in Bangladesh that remained troubling in 2025, with shocking numbers reported in the first two months, Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, speaking to The Daily Star, said, “Society is descending into chaos, where lawlessness and criminal impunity are growing. The failure of law enforcement, compromises, and lack of accountability are empowering criminals.”

Several cases of violence against women have been reported from across Bangladesh since the Yunus-led interim government came to power in August 2024.

The incompetence of the interim government in curbing gender-based violence sparked public outrage, with many demanding the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and holding the interim government led by Yunus accountable for degrading the law and order situation across the nation.

Patna, March 13: An Assistant Sub-Inspector was killed in a clash with criminals in Bihar’s Araria district after his team arrested an accused.

The deceased was identified as Rajiv Ranjan Mall, an ASI posted at Fulkaha police station in Araria for the last two years. Mal hailed from Janakinagar village, under Nayanagar police station, Munger district.

Mal had gone with his team to arrest accused Anmol Yadav on Wednesday. The police team faced fierce resistance from the accused’s aide, leading to a scuffle.

During the clash, Mal fell and sustained serious injuries.

He was rushed to Araria Sadar Hospital where he succumbed due to injuries.

Following the incident, the police force has been deployed at Araria Sadar Hospital to prevent further tension.

According to the police, Yadav was arrested but his associates gathered and launched an attack, leaving Mal critically injured.

During the scuffle, Mal fell unconscious, and the mob freed the accused. The injured officer was rushed to Araria Sadar Hospital.

“Our team had caught Anmol Yadav, but his associates overpowered the police and freed him. ASI Rajiv Ranjan Mal collapsed during the scuffle and was taken to the hospital where doctors declared him dead,” said Anjani Kumar, SP of Araria.

“Mal was not lynched by villagers. He fell during the scuffle and sustained serious injuries. A heavy police force is stationed in Araria to maintain order,” Kumar said.

“We have launched a manhunt to re-arrest Yadav and identify the attackers,” Kumar said.

The incident has shocked the Police Department.

“We will take strict action against those involved in the attack?” he said.

The situation remains tense in Araria.

The leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav has been attacking the Nitish government over the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the state.

The state government responds to Tejashwi’s criticism by highlighting the changed security scenario in the state and comparing it to the “jungle raj” of his parents Lalu and Rabri.

Mumbai: Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday told the assembly that four officials have been suspended and 22 security guards transferred following the incident of assault on a woman at Swargate bus station in Thane.

Sarnaik informed that the incident occurred a few days ago inside a Shivshahi ST bus at Swargate bus station. The victim filed a complaint at the Swargate police station, prompting the government to take serious note of the matter. Orders for an inquiry were issued to the vice chairman and managing director of the state transport corporation.

Based on the inquiry report, senior depot manager Jayesh Patil, junior depot manager Pallavi Patil, assistant traffic inspector Sunil Yele, and assistant traffic superintendent Mohini Dhage have been suspended for negligence in ensuring passenger safety. Additionally, 22 security guards stationed at Swargate have been transferred.

The minister warned that any future lapses in ensuring the safety of female passengers would lead to strict action against the responsible officers and staff.