A harrowing account of alleged sexual harassment involving a seven-year-old student at a madrasa in Gazipur has ignited widespread anger and debate across Bangladesh.
The incident came to light during a live podcast appearance by the victim’s father, prominent professional bodybuilder Shahjalal Rumi. Prompted by audience queries, Rumi placed an on-air telephone call to his wife, Maliha, who delivered a detailed breakdown of the ordeal their young daughter reportedly endured at the hands of a senior teacher.
According to Maliha, the events unfolded on Monday, 19 October, at the Qariul Quran International Madrasa located in Auchpara, Tongi, Gazipur. The child had attended her regular morning lessons before staying behind for a specialized Arabic session conducted by the accused, identified as Vice Principal Moslem Ahmed.
Upon returning home shortly after noon, the young girl appeared visibly shaken and tearful. Sensing her distress, Maliha questioned her, but the traumatised child initially hesitated out of fear, warning that the instructor had threatened to harm her if she revealed what had transpired. After persistent encouragement, the girl disclosed that the teacher had subjected her to inappropriate physical contact, touching her face, forehead, and lips.
When her mother asked how such an act could occur under the supervision of classroom CCTV cameras, the child explained that the instructor had deliberately cornered her on a stairwell where no surveillance equipment was installed. She added that the teacher boasted about the lack of coverage, assuring her that no one would believe her claims, before issuing explicit threats to silence her.
Following the disclosure, Maliha contacted a female member of the madrasa staff, identified as Teacher Luna. Rather than offering immediate support, the staff member reportedly urged the family to give the instructor another chance. Unwilling to dismiss the severity of the matter, Maliha elevated the issue to Vice Principal Alauddin Sakib. Though away on leave, Sakib reassured the family that CCTV cameras would be installed in the stairwell immediately and that a female chaperone would accompany male teachers during all future classes.
Reassured by these promises, the family allowed the child to return to the institute the following day, 20 October. However, the instructor allegedly targeted the child again, demanding her home address and phone number. Shortly thereafter, the teacher arrived at the family’s residence, repeatedly banging on the front door while Maliha was home alone with her children. She refused to open the door, stating that any further communication must take place through her husband, whom she promptly alerted.
The situation escalated dramatically on 21 October, when family members visited the madrasa to confront the administration. Witnesses reported that the accused admitted to his actions during the confrontation, prompting a heated physical altercation involving the child’s father and an indignant crowd of locals.
Law enforcement officers subsequently arrived at the scene, rescued Moslem Ahmed from the crowd, and placed him under arrest. Police have formally registered a case under the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act. Meanwhile, the madrasa management has filed a counter-complaint alleging vandalism and theft during the commotion. Investigations into both matters remain ongoing as public calls for justice continue to intensify.
