Police have arrested a local leader of Jamaat-e-Islami in Rajshahi’s Paba upazila following allegations that he sexually harassed a nine-year-old girl. The suspect, Omar Faruk, was detained on Friday afternoon (31 July) from the Pakarmatha area of Borogachhi Union. Police confirmed that a case has been filed against him under Bangladesh’s Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children Act, and an investigation is ongoing.
According to police and local sources, Omar Faruk is a Rokon—a senior membership rank—of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ward No. 4 unit in Borogachhi Union. He has long been known in the area as a village medical practitioner and operates a pharmacy adjacent to his home. Residents also said that he and his wife privately tutored local children at their residence. His elder brother is also reportedly associated with the same political party.
Investigators said the alleged victim regularly attended lessons at Faruk’s home. The girl’s family claimed that the incident took place around 22 days before the arrest, when she had gone there for her usual tuition session. According to the complaint, after the other children had left, the accused allegedly found the girl alone and touched her inappropriately.
Family members said the child returned home visibly distressed and began crying. After being comforted by her mother, she reportedly described what had happened during the lesson. Her account prompted the family to seek action.
The girl’s mother said they initially attempted to resolve the matter locally before approaching the authorities. She alleged that the incident was reported to Omar Faruk’s father, who advised them not to escalate the issue. Dissatisfied with that response, the family later submitted a formal written complaint to the local police station.
Omar Faruk has categorically denied the allegation. He maintained that the child was primarily taught by his wife and said he had only supervised the students on the day in question because his wife was away from home. He insisted that no inappropriate conduct had taken place and described the accusation as false. His father also dismissed the allegation, claiming it was baseless and motivated.
Responding to the development, Abdur Rahman Milon, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Borogachhi Union unit, acknowledged that Omar Faruk is a party member holding the rank of Rokon. He said the organisation had taken note of the allegation and would initiate appropriate internal disciplinary measures if the accusation is proven through the legal process.
Paba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Matin said the girl’s mother first submitted a written complaint to the police. Officers subsequently launched a preliminary investigation, during which they found sufficient initial grounds to proceed with the arrest.
He added that a formal case has been registered under the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children Act. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence, interview relevant witnesses and follow legal procedures before determining the next course of action. Police stressed that any further legal steps will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Cases involving allegations of sexual abuse against children are regarded as among the most sensitive criminal investigations. Child protection specialists consistently emphasise that safeguarding the welfare of the alleged victim, ensuring access to psychological support and conducting an impartial investigation are all essential components of the justice process. They also stress that allegations must be examined fairly and thoroughly, with legal decisions based on credible evidence rather than public opinion or speculation.
At this stage, the allegations remain under investigation. The arrest reflects the police’s initial assessment that there were sufficient grounds to proceed, but the ultimate determination of guilt or innocence will be made through the judicial process in accordance with the law.
