Accused gave video statement from unknown place, police unable to find him

The police have not yet been able to arrest the accused madrasa teacher in the case filed in Madan Upazila of Netrokona in which an 11-year-old madrasa student became pregnant. Despite conducting multiple raids, he has not been found. Among them, a video of the teacher from an unknown place has been spread on social media, where he claims to be innocent.

The investigation officer of the case, Madan Police Station Sub-Inspector Akhtaruzzaman, said that after examining the child at a clinic, the family confirmed the pregnancy and filed a case against the madrasa teacher. Later, the police conducted an examination at the district hospital and confirmed the pregnancy. The operation to arrest the accused is ongoing.

Officer-in-Charge of Madan Police Station Md. Tariqul Islam said that a raid was conducted at various places to arrest the accused until 3am on Monday and it is continuing. It is expected that the accused will be arrested soon.

A video of the accused defending himself has been circulating on social media since Tuesday morning. In the 5.40 minutes video, the teacher said that although it is difficult to speak due to illness, he feels it is necessary to clarify the matter. Expressing respect for the country's law and justice, he claimed that propaganda and slander are being spread against him. Although the girl once studied in his madrasa, he is not involved in this incident in any way.

He said, "There is a law in the country, that law will find out the real culprit. If you make me a criminal before you find the criminal, then the real criminal will get away with it."

According to local residents, the complaint and police sources, the teacher established a women's Qawmi madrasa four years ago. The child used to study there from her maternal grandparents' house. Since the child's parents left her, her mother worked as a housemaid in a house in Sylhet to earn a living.

The child's mother said, "My husband left me. I am struggling with three small sons and a daughter. I work in people's houses in Sylhet to earn a living. I had to leave my daughter at my father's house and let her study in a madrasa with difficulty. But Huzoor could act like a demon with my child — I never dreamed of it. I want exemplary punishment for him in this incident.'

Threats and harassment to the doctor
Saima Akhter, the doctor who confirmed the child's pregnancy after the physical examination, is being harassed and threatened in various ways. Her husband Md. Asiful Islam said, 'Since Saima gave a speech on a private television channel two days ago, she has been harassed in various ways. She is being subjected to cyber bullying. Medical certificates are being sought, threats are being made to destroy her career and rape her. Both of us are now mentally disturbed and are thinking of taking legal action.'

UNO provides nutritious food
Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Bedwati Mistry visited the child's house this afternoon and inquired. At that time, she provided nutritious food and cash on behalf of the administration. He said that the girl is suffering from various physical problems including malnutrition. She has been given psychological counseling and the administration has assured that legal and medical support will continue.

Regarding the fact that the accused has not been arrested yet despite the case being filed last Thursday, Superintendent of Police Md. Tariqul Islam said that the police are working sincerely on this matter. After learning about the incident, the police took the initiative to bring the child's mother from Sylhet and file a case. However, the accused teacher fled with his family before that. He expressed hope that it would be possible to arrest him soon.