At least 109 children were sexually abused in madrasas across Bangladesh during the first nine months of 2026, according to data from human rights organisation Justice Makers Bangladesh France (JMBF). The figures have raised serious concerns about child protection in educational institutions, the effectiveness of investigations and the obstacles that can prevent perpetrators from being brought to justice.
Parents send their children to madrasas in the expectation that they will receive moral and religious education in a safe environment. However, reports of sexual abuse against boys in these institutions have highlighted significant gaps in safeguarding measures. According to JMBF, 72 incidents involving 109 child victims were recorded in madrasas between January and September this year. The organisation’s findings also point to wider concerns about the reporting of abuse and the difficulties victims and their families face in seeking justice.
Wider figures reveal the scale of abuse
JMBF’s monitoring recorded at least 131 incidents of rape and attempted rape involving boys across Bangladesh during the same nine-month period. A total of 171 children were affected, including 161 who were raped and 10 who were victims of attempted rape. The majority of the recorded incidents reportedly took place on madrasa premises.
The figures underline the need for effective safeguarding arrangements in educational institutions, particularly those where children spend extended periods away from their families. Clear reporting procedures, appropriate supervision and prompt action when allegations emerge are essential to protecting pupils from abuse.
The recorded figures represent documented incidents and should not necessarily be interpreted as the full extent of the problem. Fear, stigma and reluctance to report sexual abuse can prevent cases from reaching the authorities, meaning the actual number of affected children may be higher.
Abdullah’s death raises questions over justice
A case involving a 10-year-old madrasa pupil named Abdullah has drawn attention to concerns about the progress of legal proceedings following allegations of abuse.
In May this year, Abdullah’s body was found hanging at a madrasa in Banasree, in the capital, Dhaka. His mother subsequently filed a case alleging sexual abuse and abetment of suicide. A senior student at the same madrasa was arrested in connection with the case.
However, according to the report, nearly seven months after the incident, there had been no visible progress in the judicial proceedings. The case has raised questions about the pace of investigations and the challenges families can encounter when seeking accountability following a child’s death.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and an arrest should not be treated as proof of guilt. Nevertheless, the case illustrates why timely investigations, reliable evidence and transparent judicial proceedings are vital in cases involving children.
Forensic evidence presents legal challenges
Legal experts say difficulties in collecting and preserving forensic evidence can become a major obstacle to securing convictions in cases involving sexual violence against boys.
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Ishrat Hasan said there was no separate, clearly defined standard operating procedure (SOP) or specific guidance for the medical examination of boys following allegations of sexual abuse, including the collection and preservation of samples and the preparation of forensic findings.
Such gaps can complicate the handling of sensitive evidence, including medical findings and DNA test results. If evidence is not collected, documented and preserved appropriately, it may be more difficult to present it effectively in court. This can weaken prosecutions and create further barriers to securing appropriate punishment for those found guilty.
A clear and consistent protocol could help medical professionals, investigators and forensic specialists handle cases more effectively. Child-sensitive procedures are also essential, ensuring that examinations and interviews are conducted in ways that protect victims’ dignity and minimise further distress.
Social stigma keeps many cases hidden
Fear of social embarrassment remains another significant barrier to reporting sexual abuse against boys. Families may hesitate to come forward because they fear public scrutiny, while children may remain silent because of shame, intimidation or uncertainty about whether adults will believe them.
As a result, some children may not receive timely medical treatment, psychological support or legal assistance. The effects of abuse can extend beyond immediate physical harm, affecting a child’s emotional well-being, confidence and development.
Creating a safe environment in which children can disclose abuse without fear of blame or punishment is therefore essential. Parents, teachers and institutional authorities must take complaints seriously, protect children’s privacy and ensure that allegations are referred to the appropriate authorities.
Rights activists call for stronger prevention
Child rights advocates argue that punishment alone will not resolve the problem. Educational institutions must also introduce practical measures to prevent abuse and make it easier for children to seek help.
Human rights activist Advocate Fawzia Karim has called for children in madrasas and other educational institutions to receive age-appropriate guidance on ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’. Such awareness can help children recognise inappropriate behaviour, understand personal boundaries and identify trusted adults to whom they can report uncomfortable or abusive experiences.
Teachers and parents also need greater awareness of the warning signs of abuse and the appropriate ways to respond when a child raises a concern. Professional counselling services should be available in educational institutions so that children can receive support without fear or hesitation.
Experts have also stressed the importance of enforcing child protection policies and strengthening internal accountability. Institutions should have clear procedures for receiving complaints, responding promptly to allegations and ensuring that investigations are not obstructed.
The reported figures from the first nine months of 2026 highlight the urgency of strengthening child protection across Bangladesh’s educational institutions. Effective prevention, reliable forensic procedures, timely investigations and access to psychological care are all necessary to protect vulnerable children. Ensuring that every child can learn in a safe environment requires sustained commitment from institutional authorities, teachers, parents, law enforcement agencies and the wider community.
