Imam Accused of Raping Madrasa Student in Companiganj

PNN News Desk | Sylhet

A local imam has been accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old madrasa student in Companiganj, Sylhet. According to the victim, the imam allegedly called him to his residence at night and sexually assaulted him. He also allegedly threatened to kill the student if he disclosed the incident to anyone. The accused imam has reportedly been absconding since the incident.

The incident allegedly took place on Thursday (November 5) night at the accused imam's residence in Boter Tol village of the upazila, according to the victim.

The accused has been identified as Hafez Mufti Noman Bin Rabbani, 35, son of Golam Rabbani of Boter Tol village. He serves as the imam of the mosque at Shaheed Smriti Tukerbazar High School and College and as the head teacher of Darul Arqam Ibteda'i Madrasa in Companiganj. He also holds positions in several local religious and political organizations.

According to the victim's account, he went to the mosque on Thursday evening, where the accused imam complained of a headache and asked him to massage his head. Later, the student led the Isha prayer. After the prayer, the imam reportedly instructed him to inform his family that he had been invited to the imam's house for dinner that night and would have to stay there.

The student said he went to the imam's residence at night and slept in the same room as the accused. The imam's wife was staying in another room. At one point, the imam complained of stomach pain and asked the student to massage his abdomen. The imam allegedly sexually assaulted him shortly afterward, according to the student's account. He further claimed that the imam threatened to kill him if he told anyone about the incident.

The victim also alleged that at Fajr, the accused imam took him to the mosque on a motorcycle. The imam subsequently led the Fajr prayer. Even after the prayer, the student was allegedly made to massage the imam's feet. After returning home, the student told his mother everything that had happened.

Demanding justice for what happened to her son, the victim's mother said she did not want any other child to experience such an incident. She called on the relevant authorities to ensure exemplary punishment for the accused.

Abul Hashem, acting principal of Shaheed Smriti Tukerbazar High School and College, said the victim had informed him about the incident. He subsequently notified the institution's president, who asked the student to submit a written application. Necessary action would be taken in accordance with the institution's rules based on the complaint, he added.

Meanwhile, Companiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Usman Gani said the matter was being investigated. He added that appropriate legal action would be taken if a written complaint was received.

However, the accused imam could not be reached for comment regarding the allegations. The victim's family has called for a full investigation to establish the facts and ensure appropriate legal action.