Bangladesh A rising star in legal trouble after charge of sexual assault

A rising Bangladesh A cricketer, Tofael Ahmed Raihan, is facing serious legal trouble after police formally charged him in a sexual assault case involving a young woman who alleges she was deceived with the promise of marriage. The development marks a significant escalation in a case that has gripped Bangladesh’s cricketing circles in recent months.

Charge Sheet Submitted Under Repression Prevention Act

Investigators confirmed on Thursday (11 December) that a charge sheet has been submitted against the pace-bowling all-rounder under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

Sub-Inspector Md Samiul Islam of Gulshan Police Station said the allegations were prima facie supported by multiple forms of evidence, including the complainant’s testimony, hotel booking records and medical reports.

The court is expected to review the charge sheet at the next hearing on 30 December, according to officials.

Allegations Stem from Promises of Marriage

Case documents state that Tofael first connected with the woman on Facebook in January, initiating frequent conversations that evolved into what she believed was a committed relationship.

The complainant alleged that on 31 January, Tofael took her to a Gulshan hotel, introduced her as his wife, and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts while repeatedly assuring her of marriage.

She claims the assaults continued over several months, but when she pressed him to formalise the relationship, he refused. She then filed a case at Gulshan Police Station on 1 August.

Bail Controversy and Cricketing Commitments

Despite being granted six weeks’ anticipatory bail on 24 September with a directive to surrender before its expiry, Tofael failed to comply. He subsequently travelled to Hong Kong to represent Bangladesh ‘A’ in a six-a-side tournament.

As the case moves to court, the spotlight now shifts to the legal process, with the allegations casting a shadow over Tofael’s budding cricketing career.