Sexual abuse of 7-yr-old girl in Gazipur draws flak

The alleged sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl by a madrasa teacher in Tongi, Gazipur, has triggered a nationwide debate over child protection, institutional accountability, religious education and the rule of law, with political leaders, activists and celebrities 
weighing in after the child’s father slapped the accused.

Rashed Khan, a political assistant to the prime minister, argued that inappropriate conduct towards children was unacceptable whether committed by a teacher or a political leader. He cautioned against using an individual allegation to condemn the entire madrasa education system, while urging religious educators to take practical steps to restore public confidence.

Tanzim Ahmed Sohel Taj, former state minister for home affairs, expressed support for Rumi in a Facebook post on Saturday. “I stand with Shahjalal Rumi! As a father, I can understand his feelings and emotions regarding his own daughter. Regardless of who the perpetrator may be, any form of abuse or molestation of minors is absolutely unacceptable,” he wrote.

Meghna Alam, a model and politician, also praised Rumi, recounting how a religious teacher had forcibly kissed and inappropriately touched her when she was six. She recalled that her mother intervened and dismissed the teacher, but the experience left her with lasting trauma. Alam warned that children’s safety must take precedence over social stigma and institutional reputation, while cautioning against judging every religious teacher by the conduct of one individual.