MISCREANTS set fire on a female Alim examination candidate at Sonagazi Islamia Fazil Degree Madrasa in Feni yesterday. The victim, about 18 years old, suffered almost 80 per cent burn injuries and brought to Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The same candidate was molested by the Principal of same madrasa on March 27, who is now in jail for committing the crime. The Principal had allegedly offered the candidate of providing questions in advance.
Local newspaper reported that, the victim along with her brother went to madrasa yesterday morning to sit for Arabic first paper examination. Her brother was barred entering the madrasa by some students and an office assistant. Quoting sister, the victim’s brother told the reporters that some students took the victim on the roof of the madrasa and asked her to withdraw the case filed against the Principal. But getting no satisfactory answer, they hold tight of her hands and ignite fire by spraying kerosene on her body. The miscreants left the scene in a hurry. Other students and teachers rescued her hearing her scream and rushed her to Sonagazi Upazila Health Complex and later to Feni Sadar Hospital. Later, she was shifted to DMCH for better treatment.
It’s crystal clear that, the victim was trapped by dishonest madrasa Principal who tried to fulfil his long-cherished lust by bribing the girl. If some of the madrasa students at that time had not informed the matter to her family members, it to be remained suppressed. After Principal’s arrest, processions and meetings were held by supporters and oppositions for a couple of times. That means two groups are highly active in the madrasa, one in favour of the Principal and another against him.
As a result, the victim has earned enmity of a certain group. She became prey of village politics. Whatever the reason may be, no civilized people can do such a brutal thing to a girl. We condemn the incident. The criminals involved in the heinous crime must be arrested without wasting any time. It’s the duty of the state to ensure exemplary punishment to the culprits.
