Ensure justice for child abuse, not mob justice: Hefazat

Calls for fair investigations, exemplary punishment and stronger child protection measures at schools and madrasas

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has called for exemplary punishment through fair investigations into allegations of child abuse and misconduct at educational institutions, saying that neither such acts nor taking the law into one's own hands is acceptable.

In a statement sent to the media today, Hefazat Ameer Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Sajedur Rahman made the call.

They said ensuring exemplary punishment through proper investigations and administrative measures was crucial for the sake of maintaining law and order in the country.

Describing child sexual abuse as a longstanding social problem, the Hefazat leaders said this is not an issue specific to any particular community. Such incidents occur to varying degrees across different sectors, including schools and madrasas, they added.

The statement said Al-Haiatul Ulya Lil-Jamiatil Qawmia Bangladesh issued new directives on September 19 for the country's six Qawmi madrasa boards and their affiliated institutions to prevent student abuse.

Under the directives, every madrasa must form “a student protection committee” or reactivate an existing one. Complaints of student abuse or misconduct must be investigated and reports submitted within seven days.

The madrasa boards have also been instructed to establish strong monitoring cells and launch hotlines to receive complaints.

The statement warned that if any madrasa lacked a student protection committee, the committee remained inactive, or the institution failed to act on complaints, the affiliation of the madrasa could be postponed or cancelled.

The Hefazat leaders said the safety and psychological well-being of children must always be prioritised at educational institutions. For this, schools and madrasas must adopt strict policies and ensure round-the-clock monitoring through CCTV cameras, they added.

They urged all schools and madrasas to follow the directives issued by their respective higher authorities.

Those found guilty of misconduct must face both institutional and legal action, the statement said, adding that there should be no leniency or compromise in such cases.

The leaders stressed that no compromises can be made regarding the responsibility to ensure a safe environment and quality education for children.