Jamaat Worker Fined and Awarded 50 Lashes for Sexually Harassing 11-Year-Old Child

allegations of sexually harassing an 11-year-old child have surfaced against a Jamaat worker named Helal Uddin. A village arbitration (salish) imposed a punishment of 50 lashes and a fine of 10,000 BDT against him regarding the matter. The issue sparked widespread discussion and criticism after a video related to the incident circulated on social media on Wednesday (August 5). The arbitration was held on Tuesday (August 4) afternoon.

​The accused, Helal Uddin, is a village doctor by profession. Locals claim he was formerly the Forest and Environment Secretary of the Union Jubo League and has been actively involved in Jamaat politics following the change in government.According to local sources, on Tuesday morning, the child was returning home after purchasing cumin spices from a nearby store when Helal Uddin called her into his shop. Her younger sister was also accompanying her at the time. It is alleged that he made the younger sister wait outside and took the child behind the shop. When he inappropriately touched her there, the child screamed and ran outside.

​As the matter came to light, a local village arbitration was convened in the afternoon. Multiple individuals present at the arbitration stated that it was arranged at the request of the victim's family. The arbitration found no proof of an attempted rape; however, based on the allegation of inappropriate touching, Helal Uddin was sentenced to 50 lashes and fined 10,000 BDT with the consensus of those present.

​Requesting anonymity, several local residents claimed that the victim's family is poor and helpless, which deprived them of true justice. They noted that allegations of misconduct toward women had been raised against Helal Uddin in the past as well, urging an investigation into this incident to ensure proper punishment so that no one dares to commit such acts in the future.

​Denying the allegations, Helal Uddin stated, "I have not committed any such act. This is a conspiracy aimed at defaming me."

​Mumtaz Begum, Acting Chairman of Harani Union Parishad, stated, "There is no legal jurisdiction to adjudicate such incidents through a village arbitration or at the Union Parishad level. If the victim's family wishes to file a complaint at the police station, we will provide the necessary support."