109 Children Subjected to Sexual Abuse in Madrasas Across the Country in 9 Months

Human rights organization Justice Makers Bangladesh France (JMBF) has reported that at least 109 children were victims of sexual abuse in 72 separate incidents across various madrasas in Bangladesh during the first nine months of this year. During the same period, 131 incidents involving the rape or attempted rape of boys were documented nationwide. Lawyers and human rights activists have expressed concern over existing limitations regarding child protection, the collection of evidence, and the assurance of justice.

The death of 10-year-old Abdullah, a student at a madrasa in the capital’s Banasree area, has also raised questions about child safety. His body was found hanging at the madrasa in May of this year. His mother filed a case alleging sexual abuse and incitement to suicide. Although a senior student from the institution was subsequently arrested, the report notes that there has been no visible progress in the judicial proceedings.

According to JMBF’s observations, at least 131 incidents of rape or attempted rape of boys were recorded across the country between January and September 2024. These incidents involved a total of 171 victims—161 cases of rape and 10 cases of attempted rape. Data from the organization indicates that a significant portion of these documented incidents occurred on madrasa premises.

Legal Complexities in Evidence Collection

The collection of forensic and medical evidence is crucial for ensuring justice in cases involving the sexual abuse of children. However, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Ishrat Hasan points out that there is a lack of specific guidelines regarding physical examinations, the collection and preservation of samples, and the preparation of forensic test results in cases involving the abuse of boys.

According to her, the absence of a dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for such cases can complicate the proper presentation of critical evidence—such as medical reports and DNA test results—in court. This creates the risk of hindering the judicial process and the ability to prove the guilt of the accused.

Abuse Remains Hidden Due to Social Stigma

Many instances of sexual abuse against boys do not come to light due to the fear of social shame and stigma. As a result, many victims may be deprived of access to necessary medical care, psychological support, and justice.

Human rights advocate Fauzia Karim has emphasized the importance of raising awareness for child protection. She suggests that children in all educational institutions—including madrasas—should be taught the concepts of "good touch" and "bad touch." Furthermore, there is a need for training for teachers and parents, as well as the provision of professional counseling services for children.

According to experts, it is essential to ensure a safe environment for children to report abuse, while also implementing effective accountability mechanisms and child protection policies within educational institutions. Prompt and impartial investigations into complaints, the preservation of proper evidence, and the provision of necessary support to victims can also play a crucial role in preventing such crimes.