A female journalist was harassed in Banasree, Dhaka, on April 2, 2025, leading to the arrest of three individuals, including the main accused. The incident occurred when the journalist, identified as Rafia Tamanna, was verbally and physically assaulted by a group of local youths outside a juice shop on Road 3, Block E in Banasree. Her brother, who attempted to intervene, was also beaten during the altercation.
The primary suspect in the case, Soaib Rahman Jishan, along with two others—Md. Raisul Islam and Md. Kausar Hossain—was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in the late hours of April 2. The trio was apprehended from different locations across the city, including the Meradia area in Rampura, Bailey Road in Ramna, and Gendaria in Shyampur, based on intelligence gathered and technological assistance.
RAB-3’s Senior Assistant Police Superintendent, Sonad Barua, confirmed the arrests, stating that the case became widely publicized when the incident was shared across social media platforms. Upon reviewing the case, RAB initiated a prompt investigation, leading to the arrests. Soaib Rahman Jishan was detained from the Meradia area of Rampura, and following his disclosure, Raisul Islam and Kausar Hossain were apprehended.
The three suspects have been handed over to Rampura Police Station, where legal proceedings are underway.
The harassment took place around 7:30 PM, when Rafia Tamanna, a reporter for the English daily New Age, was approached by a group of young men while standing in front of a juice shop. As she was harassed, her brother attempted to protest, which led to him being physically assaulted as well.
Following the incident, Rafia Tamanna filed a case at the Rampura Police Station later that evening.