Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman condemned what they described as a systematic smear campaign against Qawmi madrasas. In a statement published on July 28, 2026, they said some sexual harassment allegations reported in the media were being used to target the institutions.

The leaders said Qawmi madrasas had become targets because of their long-standing role against Brahmanism, domination and fascism, and because they keep Islam at the centre of power in Bangladesh. They also alleged that false sexual harassment claims were being raised in remote areas as part of plots to seize madrasa land, while alleged land grabbers were benefiting from media trials before proper investigations.

They said sexual harassment allegations at any educational institution, including schools, colleges, universities and madrasas, are highly sensitive. Where allegations are proven, they called for exemplary punishment of offenders and strict institutional policies. Hefazat also urged madrasa administrators nationwide to take stronger measures to improve educational standards, the learning environment and student safety.