Protests Erupt in Gaibandha Over Abuse of Madrasah Children

Massive public anger has erupted in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha following allegations of serial sexual abuse involving two young students at a local Islamic seminary. Hundreds of residents took to the streets to demand the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the accused perpetrator, Sanju Boksi, a politically influential figure in the area.

The demonstration, organised jointly by local mosque committees and general citizens, took place on Saturday afternoon along the road adjacent to the Telanipara Ebtedayi Madrasah field under the Bamandanga union. Demonstrators marched through the streets chanting fiery slogans, demanding a swift judicial trial and the highest legal penalties for the perpetrator. The collective outrage highlights growing public impatience with the handling of child abuse cases within religious institutions.

Exploitation of Influence and Systemic Oversight

According to formal complaints, the two young pupils at the Boksipara Hafizia Madrasah and Orphanage had been subjected to repeated sexual assault over the course of the past month. The suspect, Sanju Boksi, is the son of the late Joynal Boksi of Ramdhon village in the Bamandanga union. He holds significant political clout as the secretary of the Bamandanga Union Shramik League and is the elder brother of Mo. Lutfar Rahman Boksi, a prominent leader of the sub-district National Nagorik Party (NCP).

Locals revealed that Boksi held no official teaching position or administrative role within the madrasah management committee. However, he allegedly used his political credentials and social stature to maintain unhindered access to the premises under the pretext of assisting with various developmental works. This unchecked access allowed him to target vulnerable children within the residential facility over an extended period.

The abuse came to light only after the seminary’s regular teacher, Nur Alam, returned from a period of leave.

“I was away on leave when these horrific incidents occurred. Upon returning to the madrasah, I discovered what had transpired and immediately notified the managing committee about the gravity of the situation.” — Nur Alam, Madrasah Teacher

Ashraf Boksi, the president of the madrasah governing body, stated that the committee is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. He confirmed that the suspect had been officially summoned to clarify the allegations but chose to ignore the directive and is currently evading contact.

Allegations of Police Inaction Spark Public Fury

The public demonstration quickly turned into a critique of local law enforcement. Speakers at the human chain alleged that when the victims’ families initially approached the Sundarganj Police Station to file a criminal case, the officer on duty refused to register the complaint. Instead, the police reportedly advised the families to seek an informal out-of-court settlement through local mediation.

This alleged attempt by the authorities to suppress the criminal act has caused widespread resentment, raising serious questions about accountability and the protection of children in rural communities. Civil society members and human rights advocates have joined the chorus, demanding an independent inquiry into both the allegations of sexual assault and the subsequent negligence of the local police. The atmosphere in Sundarganj remains tense as pressure mounts on higher police officials to intervene and secure the suspect’s arrest.