109 children sexually abused in madrasas in 9 months: JMBF

At least 109 children were sexually abused in 72 incidents at madrasas across Bangladesh during the first nine months of this year, according to monitoring by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). The organisation also documented at least 131 incidents of rape and attempted rape involving boys nationwide during the same period, with 171 victims.

Although parents send their children to madrasas in the hope of providing them with moral education and a safe environment, reports of sexual abuse in these institutions have raised serious concerns. Those familiar with the cases say securing justice remains difficult because of challenges in collecting evidence, weaknesses in legal safeguards and a lack of clear guidelines.

In May this year, the body of Abdullah, a 10-year-old student, was found hanging at a madrasa in Banasree, in the capital. His mother filed a case alleging sexual abuse and abetment of suicide. A senior student at the madrasa was subsequently arrested. However, nearly seven months later, the case has reportedly made little visible progress towards trial.

According to JMBF’s monitoring, at least 131 incidents of rape and attempted rape involving boys were recorded across the country between January and September 2026. The total number of victims was 171, including 161 who were raped and 10 who were subjected to attempted rape. The organisation said a substantial proportion of the documented incidents took place on madrasa premises.

Legal experts say collecting and preserving evidence remains a major obstacle to securing justice in cases of sexual abuse against boys. Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Ishrat Hasan said there was a lack of specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) or guidelines governing physical examinations, the collection and preservation of samples, and the preparation of forensic reports in such cases.

As a result, she said, it can be difficult to present crucial evidence from medical and DNA tests properly before a court. This can create barriers to proving the allegations against accused individuals and securing exemplary punishment.

Meanwhile, social stigma and fear of public shame often prevent sexual abuse against boys from being reported. As a result, children who have experienced abuse may also be deprived of necessary medical treatment and psychological support.

Rights activists say the response must go beyond punishment to include preventive measures. Advocate Fawzia Karim, a human rights activist, said children should be taught about “good touch” and “bad touch” in all educational institutions, including madrasas. Teachers and parents should also receive training, while professional counselling services should be available at every institution so that children can disclose abuse without fear or hesitation.

Experts have also stressed the need to ensure internal accountability in educational institutions and strictly enforce child-protection policies.