Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) on Sunday expressed grave concern over the safety of the family of  rape and murder victim in Magura Asiya and urged the authorities to take immediate and effective steps to ensure their protection.

The rights organisation particularly drew attention to the vulnerability of the victim’s 14-year-old elder sister who is also a child bride and now faces threats and intimidation, said a press release.

In a statement, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said the family is under “real and imminent threats” of violence and harassment from the relatives of the convicted perpetrator—who also happen to be the in-laws of the victim’s sister.

“These threats are especially alarming as the main accused has been convicted, while other accused family members have been acquitted of all charges,” she said.

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“The fear of retaliation expressed by the family must not be taken lightly,” Anam said urging law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to prevent any further violence or harassment against the already traumatised family.

MJF also voiced concern over the broader issues of gender-based violence and violations of child rights in the country, noting that the case highlights the persistent challenges of child rape and child marriage.

The organisation called on the government to clarify what concrete steps are being taken to prevent such violations and to uphold the safety and dignity of vulnerable girls across Bangladesh.