HC directs Rumi to surrender within 4 weeks

The High Court on Tuesday directed Shahjalal Rumi, an accused in the case over the assault of a madrasah teacher and vandalism of a madrasah in Tongi, Gazipur, to surrender before the Gazipur Metropolitan Magistrate Court within four weeks.

The bench of Justice Md Salim and Justice Md Asif Hasan delivered the order after Rumi sought pre-arrest bail.

On 24 October, madrasah principal Mohammad Almas Hossain filed the case against Rumi and others, accusing them of entering Qariul Quran International Madrasah in Auchpara, Tongi, assaulting a teacher, vandalising the office and looting Tk17 lakh.

The case followed allegations that teacher Muslim Uddin had kissed and sexually abused a seven-year-old female student. Police arrested him and sent him to jail. A metropolitan magistrate court rejected his bail petition on Sunday.

Tongi West police officer-in-charge Arifur Rahman said the madrasah authorities had also filed a case against 15 people, including the girl's guardian, over the alleged assault, vandalism and looting. Police are trying to arrest the accused.

The incident has triggered widespread discussion and criticism on social media.