A woman has filed a rape case against Abul Hasnat Ratan, Chairman of Balarhat Union Parishad (UP) in Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur and recently expelled Naeb-e-Ameer (Deputy Leader) of the local Jamaat-e-Islami unit. The victim is a female member (panel chairman) of the same union council.
The matter was confirmed on Thursday by Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ataur Rahman. The case was filed by the female member on the 2nd of this month. Following the incident, Jamaat-e-Islami expelled Abul Hasnat Ratan from his party position.
According to the case statement, UP Chairman Abul Hasnat Ratan would often assign responsibilities to the female member when he traveled for various governmental and non-governmental duties. As a result, a professional relationship developed between them. On March 28, citing the need to discuss government allocations, Ratan took her to his rented apartment in the Adarsha Para area of Rangpur city, accompanied by his personal assistant Al Amin. Once inside, Al Amin allegedly left the scene as part of a pre-planned setup.
The victim stated that before she could understand what was happening, Ratan grabbed her from behind, restrained her hands and legs, touched her inappropriately, and raped her. Later, she managed to call a few UP members and others to the location. When they arrived, Ratan promised to resolve the matter.
Subsequently, the female UP member filed a rape case at Rangpur Kotwali Police Station on the 2nd of this month.
Abdul Baten Harun, Naeb-e-Ameer of Mithapukur Upazila Jamaat, said Ratan was expelled from the party about two months ago following the incident. Since he was a Jamaat-supported chairman, he held the position of Naeb-e-Ameer in the local committee. He is no longer associated with Jamaat-e-Islami.
Multiple attempts to contact Chairman Hasnat Ratan on his mobile phone were unsuccessful. He is currently on the run.
Regarding the case, Kotwali Police Station OC Ataur Rahman said a rape case has been filed, and efforts are underway to arrest the accused.
