A father seeking justice over the alleged sexual abuse of his child has himself faced allegations of assault, vandalism and theft in Tongi, Gazipur, while a separate confrontation between an independent MP and a police officer in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, has raised questions over security lapses and alleged police irregularities.
The two incidents have sparked debate over how safe the process of seeking justice is for ordinary people when those reporting wrongdoing face counter-allegations, legal complications or institutional pressure. In the Brahmanbaria incident, police recorded a general diary (GD) following the exchange.
Social media discussions have focused largely on the complainants’ conduct and the counter-allegations rather than solely on the original complaints.
Analysts say neither complainants nor accused individuals should be presumed guilty or innocent before an investigation. However, they stress that inquiries into the original allegations must not be overshadowed by counter-allegations.
A father accused while seeking justice for his child
An allegation of sexual abuse was raised against a teacher at a residential madrasa in Auchpara, Tongi, Gazipur, involving a child aged 6 to 7. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the child’s father, the child was abused on the staircase on the ground floor of the madrasa on October 19.
After learning of the incident, the child’s relatives went to the madrasa on October 21 and questioned the accused teacher. The teacher was beaten by the relatives during the confrontation and was later rescued by police. On Thursday, October 22, he was sent to court after being shown arrested in the case filed by the child’s father.
The madrasa authorities subsequently accused the father and others of attacking and vandalizing the institution, assaulting teachers and staff, and looting Tk17 lakh. A separate complaint over these allegations was filed with the police station.
Denying the allegations, the father told journalists late on Friday night, October 23: “I went to the madrasa to seek justice for my child, not to create a mob.”
He claimed the madrasa authorities had been informed about the alleged abuse earlier but had failed to take effective action. Instead, he said, he was now facing threats. He called for an impartial investigation into the allegations against him and for security for his family.
Tongi West police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Arifur Rahman said both sides had accused each other of issuing threats. He added that necessary action would be taken after an investigation.
An MP’s confrontation with police
A heated exchange between Rumeen Farhana, independent member of parliament for Brahmanbaria-2, and Sarail police station OC Manzur Kader Bhuiyan has also drawn attention.
On Thursday night, October 22, Farhana went to the police station to question the authorities about inadequate security during Durga Puja and allegations of irregularities involving police. She also accused the OC of corruption, taking bribes and neglecting his duties. Manzur Kader Bhuiyan denied the allegations.
Rumeen said she had taken a 2-page list containing information about local crimes and irregularities to the police station but had not received satisfactory explanations. The OC, meanwhile, alleged that the MP had arrived with a large number of followers and created unrest.
Following the exchange, police recorded a GD at the police station. A list of the people who accompanied the MP is also being prepared.
However, Brahmanbaria Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Arafatul Islam told the media that the GD was not a complaint. He said it had been recorded to document a significant incident.
Is the original complaint being overshadowed?
In both Tongi and Brahmanbaria, the complainants’ conduct has become a subject of controversy alongside the original allegations. In Tongi, the allegations of assault and looting against the father have emerged alongside the allegation of child abuse. In Brahmanbaria, attention has focused on the MP’s visit to the police station and the ensuing tension, alongside her allegations of police irregularities.
Amid the competing claims, a key question remains: how much priority is being given to investigating the original incidents?
Dr Md Tawohidul Haque, associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at the University of Dhaka and a crime analyst, told Dhaka Tribune: “An alarming trend in our society is that, in many cases, when people seek redress for wrongdoing, greater importance is given to the complainant’s behavior, position or identity than to the original offence. This creates a risk that the investigation into the actual incident will be overshadowed.”
He said: “The allegations of abuse against the child and the allegations against the father must both be investigated. However, counter-allegations must not become a tool for weakening the judicial process concerning the original offence. Many people are afraid to file complaints because of institutional power and social influence. They fear facing counter-cases, threats or social humiliation while seeking justice.”
According to Tawohidul Haque, law enforcement agencies must investigate impartially rather than treat complainants as adversaries. Otherwise, public confidence in the justice system could decline, potentially leading people to take the law into their own hands.
Intimidation could deter other victims
Ejazul Islam, executive director of the human rights organization Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), told Dhaka Tribune: “Seeking justice is not a favor; it is the constitutional right of every citizen. It is deeply concerning if someone seeking redress faces the prospect of further intimidation, counter-allegations or harassment.”
He added that such circumstances, particularly in cases involving child abuse, could discourage other victims from coming forward.
Ejazul Islam said: “In the Tongi incident, both the allegation of child abuse and the counter-allegations against the father must be investigated impartially. Similarly, the allegations of police irregularities raised by the MP must also be examined. A GD may be part of the legal process, but it must not become a means of placing undue pressure on anyone.”
Analysts caution that facing counter-allegations while seeking redress does not automatically mean someone is being harassed. At the same time, they say, counter-allegations must not be used to exert pressure on complainants. They stress that impartial investigations and accountability are essential in both cases, so that the original allegations receive due attention and all parties are treated fairly.
