MJF Demands Safety for Every Child In and Out of the Classroom, Harassment Prevention Committees in All Institutions Including Madrasas

The Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has expressed deep anger and concern over recent reports of sexual abuse and harassment of children in madrasas in different parts of the country. The organisation said safety must be ensured for every child, inside and outside the classroom, and no child should have to choose between education and safety.

In a statement issued on Saturday (24 October), MJF said allegations of sexual abuse of madrasa students in Gazipur, Tongi, Savar and Kushtia had recently been published in the media. The organisation fears the real number of incidents may be far higher than those reported, because fear, social shame or pressure may prevent many children from speaking about abuse.

The statement also described as worrying the obstruction of complaints and the intimidation of victims. MJF demanded that every allegation be investigated quickly and impartially, with the children's safety, dignity and overall welfare given the highest priority in that process.

MJF executive director Shaheen Anam said every child has the right to grow up in a safe and caring environment. Parents send their children to educational institutions trusting that they will learn there, develop themselves and build a good future. No child should have to fear those whose responsibility is to care for and teach them.

Shaheen Anam added that when a child reports abuse, the first duty is to listen to the child, act quickly and ensure the child's safety. Parents must encourage children to speak without fear about any abuse or unwanted behaviour, and children must be assured that they will be heard, their complaints will be taken seriously and they will receive the necessary support.

She stressed that no child may be blamed, frightened or silenced for reporting abuse. Ensuring children's protection is everyone's responsibility, and every child must be able to speak without fear and receive the help they need.

MJF has long worked to strengthen child protection in educational institutions and to ensure accountability. The organisation said that, in light of the High Court's historic 2009 directive and later guidance, it has repeatedly demanded the formation and effective functioning of sexual harassment prevention committees in all educational institutions, including madrasas.

Continuing that call, MJF has now appealed to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, madrasa authorities and local administrations — the High Court's directives must be implemented, effective sexual harassment prevention committees must be formed, and a safe and confidential system for filing complaints must be ensured.

The organisation also said that children who have suffered abuse must be given necessary medical treatment, psychological support and legal services, and their identity, privacy and dignity must be protected. The statement clearly demanded that those responsible be brought under the law.

According to MJF, preventing abuse of children and ensuring their safety requires the government, educational institutions, families and society to work together. The main goal now should be to ensure that every child can receive education in a safe environment, with dignity and without any fear.

How quickly and impartially the recent allegations are investigated, and how far the demand for prevention committees in institutions is implemented, will determine the outcome of this appeal. For now, MJF's statement has brought the question of child protection back to the front of national discussion.