Her abuser and his accomplice held the girl hostage at a secret location last month and then hired a traditional village birth attendant to surgically remove the fetus. But the unqualified attendant caused serious injuries to the victim in her attempt to terminate the pregnancy using scissors and left the girl bleeding profusely. The fetus was cut into pieces as it was taken out from the birth passage. The girl was then abandoned close to her house.

Fifteen-year old Nahar (not her real name) from Araihajar village of Narsingdi is now fighting for life at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). She has developed 'recto-vaginal-fistula (RVF) which is a most painful condition that requires multiple surgeries to heal and stitch the ruptures at the points of the birth and excreta passages.

Nahar narrated to this corespondent how a relative of hers by the name of Anwar from the same village used to sexually abuse her. Once she became pregnant, Nahar kept it a secret at first from her family in fear of social repercussions. However, she had to disclose it later as her physical features were changing.

"After refusing to marry me through a formal wedding for months, Anwar at last agreed and appeared to be quite serious about the matter. But all the time he was planning to kill my baby which I could not guess," said Nahar

"On June 6, Anwar said he would marry me and asked me to run away from my house with him. When I did what I was told, Anwar and his accomplice Jabbar took me to a place and tied up my hands and legs using copper wires. As I cried for help a dai (traditional village birth attendant) appeared and she used sharp objects to terminate my pregnancy," said Nahar who is still visibly shaken by the horror episode.

The pain was excruciating and in her desperation, Nahar managed to tear apart the jute ropes but failed to free herself from the copper wires. The scuffle to free herself left deep scars on Nahar's arms and limbs. She also had her mouth taped to prevent her from screaming.

Ten days after the dreadful incident, Nahar was brought to DMCH as her condition showed no signs of improving.

Dr Farhana Dewan, associate professor and acting head of Gynecology and Obstetric Department of the DMCH said that it would take at least four months for Nahar to recover.

"She is now under-going conservative treatment to heal the infections. Due to the unsafe and forceful abortion, her life is still at risk," said the doctor.

Nahar's family members have not gone for legal action in fear of reprisals from Anwar. Nahar's mother said that Anwar had made several visits to the hospital in a bid to obtain a signature from Nahar on a particular document.

"We have also received threats from Anwar a number of times. If we continue to refuse signing the document, Anwar may seize our ancestral home," said Musa, a relative of Nahar.