Dhaka, May 18 -- 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...