A solidarity rally was held at 5:00 PM on Monday, 26
October 2026, in front of Tokyo Square in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, organised by
Ogrojatra Nari Forum and like-minded organisations. The rally strongly
condemned the increasing incidents of sexual abuse of children in madrasas and
the threats reportedly made against Rumi, the father of a child victim, for
protesting sexual abuse against children, a press release said.
Participants held placards and posters, expressing their
strong opposition to sexual violence against children and their solidarity with
victims and their families.
The event was led by Zakia Shishir, Convener of Ogrojatra
Nari Forum. Participants included Aminul Islam Bakul, Chief Executive of Earth
Development Foundation (EDF); Mehnaz Mala, Member Secretary of Ogrojatra Nari
Forum; and members of various like-minded social organisations.
Parents enrol their children in madrasas with the
expectation that they will receive religious and moral education and grow up in
a disciplined and safe environment. However, reports of sexual abuse against
children in these educational institutions continue to raise serious concerns.
Citing recent statistics from Justice Makers Bangladesh in
France (JMBF), the organisers stated that at least 109 children were sexually
abused in 72 reported incidents across different madrasas in Bangladesh during
the first nine months of 2026. During the same period, at least 131 incidents
of rape and attempted rape of boys were documented nationwide, involving a
total of 171 victims.
The organisers expressed concern that perpetrators
continue to evade accountability because of the absence of clearly defined
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for medical examinations, sample
preservation and forensic testing, alongside weaknesses in legal protection.
The rally emphasised that addressing child sexual abuse requires more than punishment alone. Effective preventive measures, institutional accountability and comprehensive child safeguarding mechanisms must also be ensured.
Transparency
and Accountability. Ensure transparency within every educational institution
and establish strict accountability mechanisms to prevent and address child
sexual abuse.
Professional
Counselling for Child Victims. Ensure access to professional counselling and
psychosocial support to help children who have experienced abuse recover from
psychological trauma.
Regular
Awareness Programmes on Good Touch and Bad Touch. Introduce regular,
age-appropriate awareness programmes on “Good Touch” and “Bad Touch” for
children in all educational institutions, including madrasas and schools.
Mandatory
Implementation of Child Safeguarding Policies. Ensure the mandatory adoption
and effective implementation of a Child Safeguarding Policy in every
educational institution.
Protection
for the Victim’s Family and Legal Action Against Those Responsible for Threats.
Ensure the safety and security of Rumi, the father of the child victim, and his
family, and immediately bring those responsible for issuing threats under the
law.
