Concerns over madrasa student rape, urgent action demanded

The Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has expressed deep concern and anger over the rape of a 10-year-old child in a madrasa in Kushtia. At the same time, the organization has demanded urgent action to stop violence against children.

In a statement sent to the media on Wednesday, MJF said that violence against children is happening not only in the personal sphere, but also in public places and educational institutions like madrasas. The incident in Kushtia has once again brought to the fore the lack of adequate monitoring and accountability in educational institutions.

According to the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 71 cases of violence against children were registered in January and February 2026. Out of these, 38 girls and two boys were raped. In addition, there were 14 cases of attempted rape of girls. A total of 1,24 cases of violence against children were registered in 2025.

MJF has called on the authorities concerned to take swift, effective and visible action. The organization said that until the law to prevent sexual harassment is passed in parliament, all educational institutions in the country must ensure the formation of sexual harassment prevention committees as per the High Court's directives.

Shaheen Anam, the organization's executive director, said that incidents of sexual violence against children in madrasas often go unreported due to fear and silence. These issues do not come to light unless serious physical harm or death occurs.

He also said that in many cases, perpetrators hide behind the walls of the institution and children are at greater risk as they do not get a chance to speak out. He also said that the abused child from Bheramara Upazila of Kushtia is currently fighting for his life.

The statement mentioned that three people, including the head of the madrasa, have been arrested. However, arrests alone will not stop such violence. Strict enforcement of the law, impartial investigation, speedy trial and administrative action are needed, as well as awareness raising among parents.

Ensuring the safety of children is a joint responsibility of the state and society, but the organization believes that there is a major shortcoming in fulfilling this responsibility in the current situation.