Sexual harassment of madrasa girls spark protest

The local administration yesterday formed a seven-member probe committee to investigate the allegation of sexual harassment of girl students against the superintendent and four other teachers of Baghoilbari Koibari Dakhil Madrasa at Handial in Chatmohar upazila under the district.

Earlier on Monday, angry locals besieged the madrasa demanding exemplary punishment of the accused -- superintendent Md Abdus Samad and teachers Moulana Nazrul Islam, Mozibar Rahman, Arshed Ali and Osman Gani.

 Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shoheli Laila along with police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, assuring steps against the accused.

"The accused teachers have been asked not to come to the madrasa. A seven-member probe committee headed by Mizanur Rahman, assistant commissioner (Land), has been formed to investigate the matter. They will submit probe report next Sunday and steps will be taken afterwards," the UNO said.

Moulana Nazrul Islam, religion teacher of the madrasa, developed illicit relation with a Class IX student of the institution, sources said, adding that four other teachers also tried to make such relation with girl students.

"Suddenly their cellphone conversation regarding the matter spread out from a mobile repairing shop, sparking agitation among locals. Parents are now feeling insecure to send their girls to the madrasa," said Md Robiul Karim, chairman of Handial union parisahd.