Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad has warned that the government will take strict action to prevent sexual abuse and other indecent incidents in madrasas.
 
Describing such incidents in religious institutions as deeply regrettable, the minister said the government would take steps to ensure they do not recur.
 
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after attending the triennial council session of the Bangladesh National Imam Association in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Saturday morning.
 
The minister said imams had been instructed to raise awareness to prevent such reprehensible acts in madrasas, which are regarded as sacred institutions.
 
Addressing imams from across the country at the event, the minister urged them to remain vigilant against attempts to incite tensions and disrupt religious harmony.
 
 
He also called on imams to speak out strongly against drug abuse, terrorism and other social ills during Friday sermons, saying they enjoy considerable public trust and respect.
 
 
At the conference, leaders of the Imam Association raised various concerns, including demands for higher salaries and allowances, along with other issues affecting imams.