Prime suspect in rape case arrested in Keraniganj

In an overnight operation, members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Wasim Uddin, a prime suspect in a long-standing sensitive rape case in Keraniganj area early today (13 November).

This joint operation was conducted by teams from RAB-3 and RAB-10.

The arrest took place in Keraniganj after Wasim, 47, son of the late Gias Uddin, evaded authorities by relocating from Wari, Dhaka.

His residential address was listed as 65/C Narinda, Shah Saheb Lane, in Wari.

According to a preliminary investigation, Wasim first met the victim during the 2018 national election, when both were involved in election-related work.

This encounter led to the development of a personal relationship, with Wasim allegedly proposing both love and marriage, even after being informed that the victim was a divorced woman.

The suspect reportedly assured the victim of marriage, using the Holy Quran and an oath in the name of Allah to gain her trust, and subsequently engaged in physical relations with her multiple times at her rented residence and other convenient locations.

Further investigations revealed that Wasim took advantage of the relationship by borrowing large amounts of money from various NGOs, using the victim as his supposed spouse.

When the victim eventually confronted Wasim's first wife and daughter regarding the marriage and financial matters, they assured her of a resolution.

However, Wasim ultimately refused to marry or register a formal union with the victim.

On 10 October 2024, the victim lodged a formal complaint against Wasim Uddin with Sabujbagh Police Station in Dhaka.

The case was filed under Section 9(1) of the 2000 Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, citing the charge of rape under false promises of marriage.

Following the filing of the case, Wasim fled the Wari area and went into hiding in Keraniganj.

Legal proceedings against him are now underway, and further investigations by the authorities continue, according to a media release.