Religious Affairs Minister Vows Strict Measures Against Harassment in Religious Institutions

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad strongly condemned the recurring reports of sexual abuse in religious educational institutions, terming them deeply tragic and shameful. Speaking as the chief guest at the National Imam Conference held at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, the minister asserted that the government is fully prepared to take all necessary measures to put an end to such misconduct.

The event was organized to mark the triennial council session of the Bangladesh National Imam Association. Following a string of recent media reports on sexual abuse and student molestation in various madrasas that triggered widespread public outrage, journalists questioned the minister on the government's response. The minister noted that he had been monitoring these reports even while receiving medical treatment abroad and closely assessed the developments after returning home.

Highlighting the crucial role of religious leadership, the minister urged imams to actively educate the public through their weekly Friday sermons. He emphasized that imams should clearly explain Islamic prohibitions regarding such offenses, noting that widespread moral guidance from pulpits could significantly discourage wrongdoers and cultivate social deterrence.

Reaffirming the state's zero-tolerance stance, the minister shared that the Prime Minister is deeply conscious of the issue and has already issued explicit directives to curb such practices. He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring safety and dignity for students across all religious educational institutions in Bangladesh.