Arrest of School Headmaster, Jamaat Leader, for Child Abuse

In Raipur, Lakshmipur, the headteacher of a local school and former political leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, Abdur Rahim, has been sent to jail after surrendering to the court in a case involving sexual harassment of a fourth-grade schoolgirl. Rahim had been evading arrest for four months before appearing in court on Sunday, 11 January.

The presiding judge of the Women and Children’s Court, Sadekur Rahman, ordered Rahim to be remanded to custody following his court appearance.

Abdur Rahim, 40, hails from Char Mohna village in the Char Mohna Union Parishad. He is the son of the late Sekantar Bepari and previously served as the general secretary of Ward No. 1’s Jamaat branch. Rahim is married with two children, including a second wife, and currently holds the position of headteacher at Begum Rokeya School in Chaltatuli, Raipur.

The incident occurred on 24 September at around 4:00 pm in North Raipur, Union Parishad No. 10. Reports indicate that Rahim lured the student to his home under the pretext of private tuition, sending her brother to a local shop in the interim, during which he allegedly sexually harassed the child. Distressed, the student reported the incident to her mother, who subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Raipur police station the same night.

Local residents allege that Rahim has a history of harassing female students at his private tuition centre. “We had received several complaints months prior,” stated local resident Md. Mahir. “When we attempted to hold him accountable, he fled. Mobile phone evidence corroborates multiple prior incidents.”

Rahim, however, denies the allegations, claiming that family disputes motivated the accusation. Speaking to journalists via mobile phone, he said, “This is a conspiracy orchestrated by a few locals against me.” His wife also defended him, asserting that she has never witnessed such behaviour during their five years of marriage.

Investigation officer Abdul Mannan of Raipur Police confirmed that the accused had been sent to jail following his surrender and that a charge sheet has already been filed.

Key Facts Summary:

The case has sparked concern among locals over child safety in educational institutions and the need for stricter monitoring of school staff. Authorities have urged parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious conduct.