Madrasa dispute sparks protest outside Jashore-4 MP’s house, highway blockade

Hundreds of locals protested outside the residence of Jashore-4 lawmaker and Jamaat-e-Islami Jashore district Ameer Prof Golam Rasul today over a dispute involving a local madrasa before blocking the Jashore-Narail highway for nearly three hours.

Police later dispersed the protesters and restored traffic.

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According to eyewitnesses, the dispute centred on Al Madrasatus Shariyah and its adjoining mosque near the lawmaker's residence in the Nilganj area of Jashore town.

Residents alleged the latest incident began yesterday when the MP's daughter, Mehzabin Anannya, assaulted a madrasa student and a woman. Although the two sides reportedly reached a settlement that night, tensions resurfaced today after allegations that the madrasa had been instructed to remain closed.

Around 10:30am, hundreds of locals gathered outside the MP's house. One protester alleged the madrasa had been threatened with closure and claimed hot water was thrown from the second floor of the house at demonstrators, escalating tension.

Eyewitnesses said a relative of the lawmaker was assaulted while attempting to mediate between the two sides.

The protesters later blocked the Jashore-Narail highway, demanding legal action against the MP and his daughter.

Police rushed to the scene and held discussions with both sides before clearing the blockade.

Rejecting the allegations, Golam Rasul's wife, Sharmin Dina, said their daughter, Anannya, has been suffering from mental health issues.

She claimed that although the madrasa had officially been closed, some children continued to gather on the premises and create disturbances. When the family objected, she alleged, baseless accusations were made against them with malicious intent, culminating in an attack on their house.

"Our house was attacked, and now false allegations are being made against us," she said.

Repeated attempts to contact Prof Golam Rasul for comments were unsuccessful.

Jashore Kotwali Model Police Station officer-in-charge Masum Khan said the situation returned to normal around 1:00pm after police persuaded both sides to remain calm.

He said appropriate legal action would be taken following further investigation.