Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) is outraged and deeply concerned at the gross violation of the privacy and safety of female students at Fatimatuzzohra Qawmi Female Madrasa in Navaron, Sharsha upazila, Jessore (as stated in media), where 16 CCTV cameras, including night vision devices, were allegedly installed in the girls’ dormitories.
MJF made this statement through a press release, which was released on Sunday.
This was only discovered when a parent filed a complaint and alerted the authorities. This is a blatant act of surveillance and constitutes an extreme breach of trust and a violation of dignity and human rights, especially of minors in a learning institution where guardians expect the safety and security of their wards.
“This is not only a violation of privacy—it is a criminal breach of their sanctity and safety in an educational institution,” said Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF.
He added: “The fact that such equipment was installed in dormitories where girls lived and slept is both shocking. MJF demands a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation, and the immediate arrest and punishment of all involved.”
“MJF is equally concerned about the safety of students in other madrasas and residential educational institutions across the country, as this might not be an isolated case. This might be the tip of the Iceberg,” said Shaheen Anam, meaning a similar situation might be prevalent in girls' and boys' hostels across the country.
MJF urged the Women and Children Affairs Ministry to take the lead, along with the Education Ministry, to carry out coordinated or individual investigations in all the male and female hostels of the educational institutions across the country.
Recent alarming incidents of video-based sexual violence and cybercrime
Earlier this month in Bagerhat, three individuals were arrested for allegedly gang-raping a female saleswoman and recording the heinous act on video.
In another disturbing case from the Gabtoli area of Fatulla in Narayanganj, a housewife was reportedly held captive and gang-raped for about a month while her infant was used as a hostage.
The perpetrators threatened to record and circulate the assault footage to intimidate and silence the victim.
On April 11 in Palash, Narsingdi, a seventh-grade girl was gang-raped. Police have arrested one of the accused, Ashiq Dewan Shanto, who came into the survivor’s contact through TikTok.
MJF calls for:
- A full investigation into the incident at Fatimatuzzohra Qawmi Female Madrasa, with the highest priority given to the safety and mental well-being of the victims.
- Criminal proceedings against perpetrators under applicable privacy violation and child protection laws.
- A nationwide monitoring and regulatory mechanism for madrasas, educational institutions, and other residential facilities for girls and boys to ensure safety protocols are in place.
- A robust cybercrime monitoring and response system to protect girls and women from digital harassment and exploitation.
- Increased awareness campaigns on digital safety, privacy rights, and avenues of legal support for women and families affected by such crimes.
At a time when Bangladesh and the world are emphasizing women’s rights, safety, and empowerment, such heinous acts must not be allowed to fester in silence. MJF urges society to break the culture of fear and silence and collectively demand justice for every girl whose safety and dignity are compromised.
