The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three persons, including the prime suspect, in connection with the harassment of a female journalist and the assault of her brother in the Banasree area of the capital.

The detainees have been identified as Shoaib Rahman Zishan (25), Md Raisul Islam (21), and Md Kausar Hossain (21).

RAB-3 Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Sanad Barua confirmed the matter.

According to him, the law enforcers arrested them during coordinated operations in various areas of Dhaka on Wednesday night (April 2). 

He also said Zishan was apprehended in Meradia under Rampura Police Station, while Raisul and Kausar were detained from the Bailey Road area in Ramna and the Gendaria area in Shyampur, respectively.

The incident came to light after reports and footage of the assault circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. 

In response, RAB-3 launched a swift shadow investigation using intelligence and technological resources to track the suspects.

The accused have since been handed over to Rampura Police Station, where legal proceedings are underway.

The incident occurred around 7:30 pm on Wednesday in front of a juice shop on Road No. 3 in Banasree's E-Block. Rafia Tamanna, a journalist with the English-language daily New Age, was allegedly harassed by a group of local youths.

Speaking to Banglanews over the phone shortly after midnight, Tamanna recounted the ordeal, saying that when her brother attempted to intervene, he was physically assaulted and humiliated by the group.

A case was filed with Rampura Police Station in connection with the incident.

BDST: 1342 HRS, APR 03, 2025
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