A madrasa teacher has been arrested in Sylhet following allegations that he sexually abused two child students at the institution where he taught. Police arrested Fayzul Haque in Jaintapur on Wednesday night and later produced him before a court after formally showing him as arrested in the case.
Haque teaches at a madrasa in the Pirer Bazar area of Sylhet Sadar upazila and was associated with its Hifz section. Police said the allegations concern two students aged between eight and 10.
According to the families of the children, the two students recently returned home from the madrasa and subsequently refused to go back. Their guardians reportedly tried to send them to the institution, but the children continued to object. At one stage, the children told their families about what they allegedly experienced while staying at the madrasa.
The children reportedly told their guardians that they had to go to the teacher’s room at night. They alleged that they were beaten if they refused to go and subjected to inappropriate acts after entering the room.
The allegations were subsequently reported to Shahparan Police Station. Police said they began looking for Haque after receiving the complaint from the families.
According to police, Haque left the madrasa after learning that the children’s families had approached the authorities and travelled to Jaintapur, where his home is located. Officers later arrested him there.
Shahparan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Ferdous Ahmed said the complaint involved two children aged between eight and 10. He said the allegations were being investigated and that the accused had been taken into custody in connection with the case.
Police said Haque was questioned following his arrest. The OC claimed that during the preliminary interrogation, the teacher admitted to the alleged acts. Police also asked him why he had not considered marrying again instead of engaging in such behaviour with the children.
According to the OC, Haque responded: “I don’t like women.”
The police have since shown Haque as arrested in the case and produced him before the court. Meanwhile, arrangements have been made for the two children to undergo medical examinations.
The medical examinations are expected to provide investigators with relevant evidence concerning the allegations. The children’s accounts, medical findings and other information gathered during the investigation will be considered as the legal process progresses.
The case has drawn attention to the safety of children in educational settings, particularly where students remain under the supervision of teachers for extended periods. However, the allegations will have to be established through the investigation and judicial process.
Police said the investigation remains under way, while the two children are being taken through the necessary medical and legal procedures following the complaint.
