DHAKA:  The government is taking tougher stance against the culprits of Noakhali gang-rape incident, says Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Qauder.

“Whoever the culprits are, they will be brought to justice,” Qauder, responding to a question, told reporters at the secretariat on Wednesday (January 2).

The AL General Secretary also said, “I learnt about the incident on that day. Though, the area (Noakhali) is not in my constituency, such an incident is indeed condemnable.”

The culprits, Qauder further said, have got to be punished. No one involved in incident will be spared. “I know leader’s (Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) attitude,” he added.

“Meanwhile, I had a conversation with IGP (Javed Patwari, Inspector General of Police). DIG visited the spot. Besides, army officers, who were on election duty in that area, are looking after the matter, said Obaidul Qauder.

On the night of Monday (Dec 31), a 32-year old woman was gang-raped by a group of 'terrorists' in Subarnachar upazila of Noakhali.

His wife became victim for voting the opposition party in 11th parliamentary election which took place on December 30, victim’s husband alleged.

The woman claimed that all the attackers were followers of one Ruhul Amin Member, a former member of Char Jubilee Union Parishad.

The husband of the victim filed a case with Char Jabbar Police Station, accusing nine persons.

Already, police arrested three persons, including the prime accused in the case.  Identities of the duo weren’t disclosed to maintain privacy of investigation.

BDST: 1845 HRS, JAN 2, 2019

AH/RS/SMS