Bangladeshi Imam arrested over sexual abuse of 2 children in New York mosque

A Bangladeshi-origin imam has been arrested in New York City over allegations of sexually abusing two minor girls inside a mosque.

The accused, Tajul Islam, 65, was taken into custody following incidents reported at Masjid Bilal in Jamaica, Queens, on April 21 and April 27.

Court documents allege that the abuse occurred inside the mosque premises during two separate occasions involving two 10-year-old girls.

Islam faces multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree sexual abuse, four counts of forcible touching, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

According to the complaint, the first incident took place on April 21 between 5:30pm and 6:00pm, when the accused allegedly inappropriately touched one child inside the mosque. A second incident involving another 10-year-old girl allegedly occurred on April 27 around 6:00pm.

He was arrested on the same day following the second allegation. The next day, a Queens Criminal Court judge granted him bail set at $25,000 bond.

Authorities said the accused has been ordered to stay away from the alleged victims as part of court conditions.

Police have also released his photo and urged anyone with additional information to contact the Sex Crimes Hotline or Crime Stoppers.

No official statement has yet been issued by the mosque committee regarding the incident.