A human rights organization in Bangladesh has expressed deep concern about the increasing cases of sexual violence against children in madrasas. The Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) based in Dhaka has urged the immediate formation of sexual harassment committees in all madrasas across the country, aligning with a High Court directive for educational institutions. The MJF emphasized the necessity for systemic protections within these institutions, citing a distressing incident where an 11-year-old student was raped and impregnated in Netrokona district.
The High Court in 2023 mandated all educational institutions in Bangladesh to establish committees to prevent sexual harassment, a directive that the MJF is advocating for in madrasas as well. The MJF’s latest report, based on findings from the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, revealed that over 1000 women and girls have faced various forms of violence, including sexual violence, in the first four months of this year. The organization highlighted a concerning trend of incidents involving girl children, with 479 documented cases between January and April alone.
Shaheen Anam, the Executive Director of MJF, stressed that madrasas should not be exempt from the High Court ruling as they are educational institutions. The MJF also referenced a case in Netrokona where a madrasa teacher allegedly abused a child leading to pregnancy, underscoring the need for accountability and justice in such cases. The organization called for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for perpetrators of sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of implementing laws that protect women and children.
