Tohfatul Jannah, who is both Abdul Bari’s wife and the director of Tohfatul Jannah Women’s Madrasa, was arrested on allegations of assisting in the crime and attempting to suppress information about the incident. She was sent to court on Thursday.
According to the case statement, the alleged assault took place at around 10am on Wednesday, 21 October, inside a room at the madrasa in the Chhoto Kaliakoir area of Birulia Union, Savar.
The incident has sparked anger among local residents and raised concerns about the safety of children in educational institutions. Police are continuing their search for the main accused while investigating the alleged role of his wife.
Student allegedly detained and threatened
According to the complaint, Abdul Bari allegedly raped the student inside a room at the madrasa on Wednesday morning. The case statement alleges that, after the incident, steps were taken to prevent the matter from becoming public.
Abdul Bari allegedly arranged for his wife to organise initial medical treatment for the girl. The student was then kept inside the madrasa until the evening, according to the complaint. She was also allegedly threatened with death if she told anyone what had happened.
The girl eventually managed to leave the premises with assistance from a woman who worked as a kitchen assistant at the madrasa. After returning home, she informed her grandfather about the alleged assault.
The family’s disclosure prompted widespread anger in the surrounding community. Residents subsequently gathered outside the madrasa and the founder’s home, demanding answers over the allegations.
Police face obstruction as tensions escalate
The situation deteriorated on Wednesday night when an agitated crowd surrounded the madrasa and Abdul Bari’s residence. His wife and son were reportedly prevented from leaving.
Police arrived after receiving information about the situation but faced obstruction from members of the crowd. At around 7pm, vandalism and looting were reported in two rooms at the madrasa and the founder’s residence.
Additional police officers arrived at around 9pm to bring the situation under control. They rescued police personnel who had been surrounded, along with Tohfatul Jannah and her younger son, and took them to the police station.
Additional officers have been deployed in the area to prevent further disorder and maintain security. Police are also continuing efforts to locate Abdul Bari, who has remained out of reach since the alleged incident.
Further allegations involving other students
The case has prompted further allegations concerning the treatment of female students at the institution.
Local resident Matiur Rahman, citing accounts from other students, alleged that Tohfatul Jannah had used her own physical illness as a pretext to pressure female students into having sexual relations with her husband.
The allegation has not been independently verified. Its accuracy, and whether it has any connection to the current case, would need to be established through a proper investigation.
Police investigate the wife’s alleged role
Saiful Alam, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, confirmed that Tohfatul Jannah had been arrested in connection with a case filed by the victim’s grandfather and sent to court.
He said police operations to arrest Abdul Bari were continuing. Investigators are also examining the precise role allegedly played by his wife, including whether she assisted in the offence or attempted to conceal it.
The case has highlighted serious concerns about safeguarding children in educational settings, where students depend on teachers and institutional authorities for their safety and welfare.
A thorough and impartial investigation will be necessary to establish the facts and determine individual responsibility. Protecting the child’s identity and privacy, ensuring her safety, and providing appropriate medical and psychological support are also essential as the legal proceedings continue. The allegations against those involved remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
