A series of cases involving sexual abuse and violence against children in madrasas across Bangladesh has renewed concerns about student safety and the effectiveness of existing child-protection measures.
Recent incidents involving young students in Gazipur, Savar and Noakhali have raised questions about institutional accountability and whether children can safely report abuse by teachers and other people in positions of authority.
The issue gained fresh attention today (October 24), when Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad said the government would take strict measures to prevent rape and other misconduct in madrasas. He also said imams had been instructed to raise awareness through Friday sermons and other messages.
However, the announcement did not specify a timeline for introducing new safeguards or explain how authorities would monitor their implementation.
The recent cases have intensified calls for a response that goes beyond awareness campaigns and ensures effective prevention, investigation and accountability.
Recent cases: In brief
In Tongi, Gazipur, a madrasa vice-principal was sent to jail after being arrested over allegations of sexually abusing a seven-year-old student. According to the child’s family, the incident took place inside the institution on October 19.
The child reportedly stayed away from the madrasa for three days before disclosing the incident to her parents.
Her father subsequently filed a case, while police conducted an investigation. The incident also prompted a confrontation at the institution, where a crowd reportedly assaulted the accused before police intervened.
In Savar, Dhaka, five people, including two teachers and three students, were arrested in connection with a complaint involving the alleged repeated rape of a seven-year-old student.
The complaint named 10 people, including madrasa officials and students. The case raised concerns about whether those responsible for protecting the child had responded appropriately to the alleged abuse.
In Noakhali, a madrasa teacher was arrested after a 10-year-old student’s family reported that she had been sexually abused over several months. The case attracted particular concern because the alleged abuse reportedly continued for an extended period before coming to light.
These cases differ in their circumstances and legal status, but they highlight the need for effective supervision, accessible reporting mechanisms and prompt responses to complaints. They do not establish the prevalence of abuse across all madrasas, for which comprehensive data would be necessary.
Why reporting abuse can be difficult
Children may struggle to disclose abuse when the alleged perpetrator is a teacher or another authority figure. Fear of threats, punishment, stigma and disbelief can discourage them from seeking help.
The risks may be greater in residential institutions, where students depend on staff for accommodation, education and daily care. Children who live away from their families may have fewer opportunities to speak privately with trusted adults outside the institution.
The reported delay in disclosure in the Tongi case illustrates why institutions need procedures that allow children to raise concerns safely. Complaints must be taken seriously and referred to the appropriate authorities rather than handled solely through internal discussions.
Institutions should also ensure that children who report abuse are protected from intimidation and retaliation. Staff members must understand their responsibilities, while parents and guardians need clear information about where to report suspected misconduct.
Legal notice seeks stronger safeguards
On September 14, Supreme Court lawyer Muhammad Nurul Huda served a legal notice on the government seeking immediate measures to prevent sexual abuse, rape and cruel treatment of children in madrasas.
The notice proposed establishing national child-protection mechanisms covering Alia, Qawmi and Hifz madrasas, alongside dedicated protection cells within individual institutions.
It also called for reviews by child welfare boards established under the Children Act 2013 and proposed installing CCTV cameras at entrances, corridors, classrooms and common residential areas, excluding private spaces such as bathrooms and toilets.
The notice warned that a writ petition would be filed with the High Court if the government failed to take the requested measures within five days. The proposals reflect demands for stronger safeguards but do not establish that the measures have been adopted nationwide.
Bangladesh already has laws addressing offences against children and sexual violence, including the Children Act 2013 and the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000.
The High Court also issued guidelines in 2009 concerning the prevention of sexual harassment in educational institutions and workplaces.
The challenge is ensuring that these protections work in practice and that institutions respond appropriately when complaints arise.
Awareness alone is not enough
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) also called for stronger child-protection measures on October 24 following recent reports of abuse and harassment involving students.
The organisation urged authorities to ensure prompt and impartial investigations, effective sexual harassment prevention committees, safe reporting channels and access to medical, psychosocial and legal support for affected children. It also stressed the importance of protecting children’s privacy and dignity.
The religious affairs minister’s pledge may help raise awareness, but preventing abuse requires more than public statements. Authorities need clear procedures for reporting suspected offences, prompt investigations and accountability for perpetrators and anyone who obstructs justice.
Regular inspections and transparent reporting could help determine whether protection mechanisms are functioning. Reliable data on complaints, investigations, prosecutions and convictions would also allow authorities to assess the scale of the problem and evaluate the effectiveness of their response.
Ultimately, children must be able to attend educational institutions without fear of abuse. The government’s pledge will need to translate into enforceable safeguards, effective monitoring and consistent action to ensure that the responsibility for protecting students is fulfilled.