Md. Moniruzzaman :
The clerical community and locals have formed a human chain demanding the withdrawal of the case filed against Maulana Saiful Islam, director of Ummul Qura Women’s Madrasa in Mymensingh, his unconditional release and an impartial investigation into the entire incident.
The peaceful human chain was held in Mymensingh on Monday (July 21) afternoon. The teachers, students, guardians and well-wishers from all walks of life of the institution participated in it and strongly demanded to ensure justice.
The speakers said that on July 2 (Thursday) at approximately 5 pm, a group of armed men with sharp weapons entered the Ummul Qura Women’s Madrasa and attempted to attack the director. Later, after creating an atmosphere of widespread vandalism and panic, a false case was filed with the Kotwali Police Station on July 3, accusing the director Maulana Saiful Islam. According to the speakers, without any kind of impartial and fair investigation, this baseless accusation has severely damaged the long-standing reputation of the institution, its educational programs and the personal dignity of the director. At the same time, they expressed deep concern over the misleading propaganda spread on social media.
The human chain, moderated by Maulana Yasin Arafat Anandapuri, was addressed by Mufti Shahidullah, Imam of Nayapara Noor Jame Mosque, Mufti Enamul Hasan, Imam of Millers Auto Jame Mosque, Mufti Nurul Alam Siddiqui, Director of Jamia Noor Hossain Mohila Madrasa, Hafez Sanaullah, Director of Madinatul Quran Madrasa, and Muhtamim Maulana Muhibullah of Noor Hera Mohila Madrasa. The speakers said that if the administration neglects or delays the investigation despite full respect for the law, then the administration will have to bear the responsibility for any situation that arises.
Madrasa students also expressed their anger and demands in the human chain. Tanzina Akhtar, a student of the ‘Sharhe Bekaya’ class, alleged that their innocent teacher was framed in a conspiracy. She demanded exemplary punishment for those who tried to force a false confession by holding a knife to the director’s throat and compensation for vandalism of the campus. Mastura, a student of the ‘Hedaya’ class, questioned why a teacher is being harassed on false charges? At the same time, she demanded that a normal educational environment be restored in the madrasa. Alema Nazmin, a senior teacher of the institution, tearfully demanded the director’s immediate and unconditional release.
Four demands were presented from the human chain— 1. Ensuring a full, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident; 2. Immediately release Maulana Saiful Islam by withdrawing the case filed on baseless allegations; 3. Identify those who attacked, vandalized and created panic in the madrasa on July 2 and take legal action; and 4. Ensure the security of the madrasa and continue normal educational activities.
The media, civil society and human rights organizations of the country were called upon to express solidarity with this human chain organized with the aim of uncovering the truth and establishing justice. Finally, the human chain ended with a special prayer by Maulana Shahidullah.
In this regard, Mymensingh Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Md. Ashraful Karim said that the accused has been arrested after the case was filed. Necessary legal action will be taken after an impartial investigation into the matter.
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