In a late-night operation, police rescued two terrified teenage girls who had fled a local brothel, risking their lives to escape captivity. Following the rescue, a case has been filed under the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, with the brothel's madam, known as Doli, named as the primary accused.
The girls, aged 15 and 16 according to the case details, were found at Molla Counter near the Jamalpur bus terminal. They were visibly traumatized and trembling with fear. For their safety and security, the police have taken them into protective custody.
Local sources allege that the main accused, Doli, owns multi-story buildings in Barishal, Khulna, Jamalpur Bypass, and WAPDA areas. It is further claimed that she operates a torture cell in Beparipara, where children and teenagers are initially held and subjected to sexual abuse. Once "broken in," they are forced into the sex trade at the brothel.
According to accounts from local rights activists, the women and girls are provided with only basic food and face brutal torture if they protest. These inhuman practices have been ongoing for years, they allege.
Abul Kashem, a long-time resident of Jamalpur and human rights activist, shared his perspective. "For nearly 30 years, I have been fighting against this dark world. Since 1996, with my direct and indirect assistance, 94 children, teenagers, and women have been rescued," he stated.
"No one steps into this dark world by choice," Kashem added. "They fall into traps of fake love, false job promises, or even dramatic marriage proposals, and end up being sold like merchandise."
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Jamalpur Sadar Police Station, Mohammad Masudur Rahman, confirmed that a case has been filed under non-bailable sections of the human trafficking law. "Efforts are underway to arrest the accused," the OC said.
Local residents are demanding a broader crackdown, claiming that beyond this specific brothel, an estimated 460 women in Jamalpur might be involved in the sex trade operating from rented flats and hotels, all controlled by organized syndicates. They urge the authorities to bring all those involved to justice.
Meanwhile, police sources indicate that coordinated efforts with relevant authorities are being made to ensure a safe and secure future for the two rescued teenagers.
