Islamic Scholar Calls for Urgent Action Against Madrasa Child Abuse

Prominent Islamic speaker Abdul Hai Muhammad Saifullah has expressed grave concern regarding the alarming incidents of child torture and rape of young students across various residential madrasas in Bangladesh. The issue has brought renewed attention to the safety of children within these educational institutions, prompting calls for immediate reform and accountability from religious authorities across the country.

Addressing this sensitive issue, Abdul Hai Muhammad Saifullah released a video message on his verified Facebook page on September 4, 2026, demanding a unified statement and a vocal stance from scholars against such heinous acts. In his public address, he strongly criticized any attempts to sweep these criminal matters under the rug, emphasizing that transparency is vital for addressing the root causes of the abuse.

Directly addressing the religious leadership, the Islamic speaker stated in his verified remarks: 'Our conscious scholarly community, the responsible scholars of our current Bangladesh, if you think that you will solve this by keeping secret matters secret, then you are in a mistake.' His comments highlight a growing demand within society to break the culture of silence surrounding abuse in religious boarding schools.

As part of his concrete proposals to reform the Qawmi educational system and protect vulnerable students, Saifullah recommended structural and administrative changes within these institutions. He asserted that 'Every madrasa must have an independent complaint center,' ensuring that victims and witnesses have a safe and reliable channel to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Furthermore, the speaker addressed the basic living conditions provided to young learners residing in these facilities, noting that physical environments can contribute to vulnerability. He stated: 'In any residential institution, children cannot stay on the floor. Arrange double or triple-decker beds for them, or arrange ordinary bed frames if necessary,' outlining a basic standard of dignity and safety for all enrolled students.