A serious allegation of sexual abuse involving three students at a madrasa in Meherpur’s Mujibnagar upazila has sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests, a siege of the religious institution, and demonstrations outside the local police station.
The incident took place on Thursday night at Mujibnagar Ideal Madrasa and Darul Hifzkhana Boarding located in the Kedarganj Bazar area. Following the emergence of the allegations, local residents and guardians gathered in large numbers, surrounding both the madrasa and Mujibnagar Police Station, demanding swift justice and the arrest of those responsible.
According to police, a case was filed by the father of one of the minor victims, accusing a madrasa teacher of sexually abusing his child and other students. Acting on the complaint, law enforcement authorities arrested the accused teacher and later sent him to court. The victims were also rescued from the madrasa premises and placed under protective care.
Case Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mujibnagar Ideal Madrasa & Darul Hifzkhana, Meherpur |
| Incident | Allegations of sexual abuse of three students |
| Date | Thursday night |
| Accused | Noor Uddin (Arabic teacher) |
| Action Taken | Arrest, court custody, victims rescued |
| Legal Status | Case filed by victim’s father; investigation ongoing |
The arrested individual has been identified as Noor Uddin, an Arabic language teacher at the madrasa, originally from Tengachora village under Purbadhala upazila in Netrokona district. He was taken into custody and produced before a magistrate court, while police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
Local residents reported that students from multiple districts reside in the madrasa boarding facility. The allegations came to light during the night, after which agitated crowds began gathering outside the institution. Witnesses stated that tensions escalated further when individuals linked to the madrasa management and affiliated groups attempted to secure the premises, leading to a confrontation with local residents.
As police arrived to control the situation, protesters shifted their demonstration to Mujibnagar Police Station, demanding immediate legal action and exemplary punishment for those involved. The situation remained tense for several hours before being brought under control.
The father of one of the victims, who filed the case, said he was informed of the incident late at night through another guardian. He later went to the madrasa around 3 am and rescued his 10-year-old son. The child reportedly told his family that the teacher would frequently summon students at night and subject them to inappropriate acts. The father further alleged that similar incidents had occurred repeatedly.
Eyewitnesses from the locality said they saw groups of people rushing towards the madrasa after hearing the allegations. Many residents claimed they had previously heard rumours of misconduct within the boarding facility, although these were not formally reported at the time.
However, conflicting political and institutional claims have emerged regarding the madrasa’s ownership and management. Mujibnagar Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Khairul Bashar rejected allegations linking the institution to the party’s leadership, stating that misinformation had spread on social media, prompting party activists to visit the site.
A teacher from the madrasa, Sohel Rana, also stated that the institution is not directly run by the district Jamaat leadership, adding that administrative responsibility lies with other individuals connected to the management committee.
Meanwhile, Mujibnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahirul Islam confirmed that the accused teacher has been arrested and sent to jail through court order. He also stated that the victims have given their statements before a magistrate under relevant legal provisions.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, while the madrasa remains under heightened scrutiny amid continuing public concern and calls for justice.