Cox’s Bazar Correspondent

A 40-year-old mother and her 15-year-old daughter were allegedly gang-raped by armed criminals who broke into their home early Tuesday in Cox’s Bazar.

The attack reportedly occurred at around 2:30am in the Dolnighona area of the newly-formed Matamuhuri upazila. The woman’s husband was in Chattogram for business purposes.

A five-year-old child was also present in the house during the attack.

Quoting members of the victims’ family, Abhijit Das, assistant superintendent of police for the Chakaria Circle, said a gang of eight to 10 men cut through a window grille, looted gold jewellery and cash, sexually assaulted both the mother and her daughter, and then fled.

The teenage victim’s uncle told journalists that the victims were initially taken to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital as their conditions deteriorated.

The teenager remains in critical condition, with doctors monitoring her for severe blood loss, he added.

Six men have been detained so far for interrogation: Rezaul Karim, 36; brothers Tofazzal Hossain alias Babu, 23, and Kefayat Hossain alias Puittya, 27; Mohammad Tanzid, 24; Mehedi Hasan, 24; and Mohammad Tareq, 26.

One suspect, identified as Jisan, had been released from jail just five days before the attack, where he had been held on weapons and robbery charges.

Abhijit confirmed that an organised local criminal network was responsible, and added they are continuing to search for remaining suspects.

Family members further alleged that the same group had targeted the household on two or three previous occasions.