Thousands of protesters clashed with police in Chattogram, Bangladesh, on May 21 and 22 after locals detained Monir Hossain, a suspect accused of raping a four-year-old girl, and tried to hand him over to authorities [1, 2]. Around 5,000 people gathered during the clashes that lasted nearly six hours. Tear gas was used and a police vehicle was set on fire as the unrest escalated [1, 2].
The alleged victim, a four-year-old girl, was receiving hospital treatment following the attack [1, 2]. Police spokesman Aminur Rashid said, "The situation is now under control, and the perpetrator will be taken to court today" [1, 2].
The protests come days after demonstrations erupted in Dhaka on May 19 and 20 over the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl [1]. Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir of the legal rights group Ain o Salish Kendra said, "The lack of justice has sparked this wave of protests. People want to see that justice is being done." [1]
Incidents of violence against women and children in Bangladesh have risen sharply, with reported cases increasing to 2,011 in April 2026 from 1,425 in March 2026 [1]. Bangladesh has a conviction rate of about 3% in such cases, with approximately 70% of accused persons eventually released [1].
The clashes began on May 21 when Monir Hossain was detained by locals who attempted to hand him over to police. The unrest continued into May 22 as protests demanding justice persisted in Dhaka [1, 2]. Authorities plan to formally present the suspect in court following the chaotic handover [1, 2].
