Hefazat strongly condemns child abuse at educational institutions, but says taking law into own hands unacceptable

Following a string of high-profile incidents centring on madrasas across the country, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh on Saturday issued a statement condemning immoral behaviour and child abuse at educational institutions, but adding that taking the law into one’s own hands was also unacceptable.

Hefazat called for strict measures to prevent student abuse at educational institutions, urging authorities to ensure fair investigations and exemplary punishment for those found guilty.

The statement, issued by Hefazat Ameer Allama Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajidur Rahman, said fair investigations and exemplary punishment through administrative procedures were essential to maintaining law and order in the country.

Hefazat leaders described child sexual abuse as a longstanding social problem that was not confined to any particular community.

They said the problem existed to varying degrees in schools, madrasas and other settings.

The statement comes after a man slapped Moslem Ahmed, vice-principal of Qariul Quran International Madrasa in Auchpara, Tongi, over the alleged sexual assault of his seven-year-old daughter.

Videos of the incident went viral, showing a crowd attacking the teacher after the slap.

Police later arrested the vice-principal of a madrasa in Tongi, Gazipur, over the allegations, while cases were also filed against the father over the attack.

In its statement, Hefazat highlighted steps already taken by six Qawmi boards and institutions under it to form student protection committees and instructed the boards to establish monitoring cells and complaint hotlines to prevent student abuse.

It said all allegations had to be investigated within seven days of receiving a complaint.

“The safety and mental comfort of children in educational institutions should always be given priority,” it said, urging madrasas to ensure CCTV coverage.

It said madrasas that failed to follow the directives would face punishment.

The statement was sent by Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, joint secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.