The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has demanded an impartial probe into the rape and murder of an English medium schoolgirl in Dhaka's Kalabagan.

"We lost the student at the start of the new year. It is imperative that a fair and neutral probe be conducted into the incident to ensure the lone accused is given the harshest possible punishment," Acting President of the Parishad Fauzia Moslem told a press conference in Dhaka Wednesday. 

Expressing concern over the increasing numbers of child rape and repression incidents, she commented that the schoolgirl was a technological abuse victim. 

The 17-year-old schoolgirl was reportedly raped and murdered at a flat in the city's Kalabagan area last Thursday. Police said the victim was brought dead to Anwar Khan Modern Hospital in the afternoon.

Fardin Iftekhar Dihan, the victim's friend who took her to the hospital, was detained in connection with the incident. He later gave a confessional statement before the court.   

At the press conference, the victim's mother said that in order to save Dihan and his friends, her daughter's character is being maligned on social media platforms.    

"My daughter was gang-raped and then murdered. Though we insisted, police refused to include Dihan's friends in the case," she said.  

"My daughter did not have a romantic relationship with Dihan. Rather, he and his friends abducted her and took her to his apartment. Now influential quarters are engaging in character assassination of my daughter to try and save them," the mother added. 

The victim's mother said some comments made by a few investigators are being used against her daughter. She demanded a fair investigation into the case, a speedy trial to hold Dhiran and his friends accountable and ensure the safety of her family.    

At the press conference, the student's father said, "My daughter would never do anything without my permission or without consulting me."

"My only wish is that no parents lose their children in this way," he said.

Maleka Banu, Advocate Masuda Rehana, Shima Moslem, Mahatab Nesha, and Rehana Yunus, were also present at the press conference, among others.