Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, has expressed deep concern and condemnation regarding recent reports of sexual abuse within religious educational institutions. Speaking as the chief guest at the National Imam Conference held at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, the Minister addressed the growing public outcry over these incidents, labeling them as both tragic and shameful.
Responding to queries from the media regarding the government's stance on these allegations, the Minister stated that he had been monitoring the situation closely since his return from medical treatment abroad. He emphasized that the government is fully committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. He further noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is personally aware of the situation and has provided specific directives to ensure the safety and protection of students in these institutions.
During the triennial council session of the Bangladesh National Imam Association, the Minister underscored the pivotal role that religious leaders play in shaping societal values. He urged Imams to utilize their Friday sermons (Khutbah) to educate the public on the dangers of social ills, including drug abuse, bribery, corruption, extortion, and injustice. By clarifying the principles of Sharia regarding moral conduct, the Minister believes that religious leaders can significantly contribute to fostering a more ethical society.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the government is determined to maintain a safe and secure environment in all religious educational institutions across the country. The ministry is currently working on strengthening oversight mechanisms and ensuring that legal actions are taken against those responsible for any form of exploitation or abuse. The initiative to leverage the influence of Imams is viewed as a strategic approach to addressing these issues at the grassroots level.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister called upon scholars and Imams to remain united in the fight against social misconduct. He expressed his vision for religious educational institutions to serve as centers of true knowledge and moral integrity, free from any criminal activities. The government has pledged to continue its rigorous monitoring to ensure that these institutions uphold the highest standards of safety and ethical conduct.
