Accused Shihab gives confessional statement in Banasree madrasah student sexual abuse, suicide case

A Dhaka court has recorded a confessional statement from the accused Shihab Hossain in a case involving the sexual abuse and suicide of a 10-year-old madrasah student in Banasree.

The accused confessed to sexual abuse and abetment of suicide before Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Al Biruni Mir today (11 June) after police produced him before the court.

Sub-Inspector Abul Kalam Azad of the Women and Children GR Branch confirmed the matter.

Following the statement, the court sent him to jail.

Following an application by the investigating officer, Abul Kalam Azad, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Al Biruni Mir recorded his confessional statement and subsequently sent to jail.

Police arrested Shihab from Khakchhara village in Bera upazila of Pabna on 19 May. He was first placed on a five-day remand on 21 May and was later remanded for an additional three days in another case related to the incident.

According to the case statement, the hanging body of Abdullah, a student of Alokito Quran International Hifz Madrasa in Banasree C Block under Rampura Police Station, was recovered around 10pm on 19 May.

During the inquest, investigators found signs of sexual abuse. During questioning, madrasa authorities identified Shihab as a suspect and informed police that allegations of similar abuse involving four other students had previously been raised against him.

The following day, the victim's mother, Tuku Ara Khatun, filed a case against Shihab Hossain and several unidentified individuals, accusing them of abetting her son's suicide.

The case was filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and Section 306 of the Penal Code, which deals with abetment of suicide.