Local authorities in Tangail have arrested a religious school teacher following serious allegations of sexually abusing multiple children under his care. Riyazul Islam, who taught at the Bhayeta Hafizia Madrasa situated in the Magra Union of Tangail Sadar Upazila, was taken into custody by police and subsequently produced before the court.
The incident came to light on Sunday, 30 August, when locals reportedly caught the teacher red-handed following a fresh allegation of abuse involving a young student. Confronted by angry members of the public who attempted to physically intervene, Islam sought refuge inside a nearby mosque to escape the escalating fury of the crowd.
Investigations and local accounts suggest that this was not an isolated incident. Just days prior, similar accusations had been levelled against the same teacher concerning another child enrolled at the institution. While local community leaders had initially attempted to resolve the prior grievance through informal mediation and arbitration meetings, the emergence of a fresh complaint ignited immediate outrage and widespread tension throughout the area.
Upon receiving reports of the unrest, senior officials rushed to the scene to restore public order. The response team comprised personnel from the Tangail Sadar Police Station, reserve police units, the local Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and regional political figures. Their intervention successfully pacified the agitated locals, after which the accused instructor was handed over to the authorities.
Residents of the locality have expressed deep concern over the safety of children within residential educational facilities. They are demanding a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the full extent of the misconduct, alongside exemplary legal punishment should the charges be substantiated in a court of law.
Repeated attempts to reach Riyazul Islam for comment regarding the allegations proved unsuccessful. Confirming the legal proceedings, the officer-in-charge of Tangail Sadar Police Station stated that a formal criminal case has been registered against the accused, and he has already been transferred to judicial custody as the investigation continues.
