M A Hossain,
On May 17, 2024, a tragic and heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Moulvibazar's Sreemangal upazila. A two-year-old girl named Faria Jannat Mili was poisoned, leading to her untimely death. Subsequently, the police arrested her parents, who initially confessed to their involvement in this harrowing act. A similar incident happened on November 28, 2020, when a 17-day-old daughter named Sohana was murdered by her parents in Bagerhat, Bangladesh. The parents were very poor, and the infant was suffering from severe cardiac and kidney problems.In both the cases, the media swiftly condemned the parents, portraying them as criminals. However, this case is far more complex than it appears on the surface.
Faria’s parents are impoverished farmers, and their daughter was born with severe physical disabilities. They struggled immensely to care for her, financially and emotionally. This heartbreaking decision wasn't made in a vacuum; it was born out of sheer desperation and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The actions of Faria's and Sohana's parents, though criminal by law, reflect a deeper societal issue that needs addressing.
Consider the broader context of their situation. The case is now sub judice, but it raises poignant questions about our society’s responsibilities. Instances such as farmers in India setting themselves on fire or a French student self-immolating highlight that extreme actions often stem from extreme despair. These acts are legally classified as crimes, yet they carry a message that demands our attention. What kind of life would Faria have had if she survived? Would she have received health insurance coverage? How much do we, as a society, genuinely care about the welfare of the vulnerable among us?
The parents were faced with insurmountable medical expenses and an uncertain future for their daughter. How long could they sustain the immense financial and emotional burden? While some may view their decision as an unforgivable crime, it’s essential to understand that it’s also a reflection of our collective failure as a society. The parents did what they believed was best in their circumstances, driven by love and desperation. In a similar vein, a family in Austria fought a 27-year-long legal battle to disconnect their daughter from life support, believing it to be an act of compassion.
We must approach this case with empathy and refrain from simply labeling the parents as criminals. Do not get me wrong; neither am I abetting the crime nor advocating for such a heinous act. The root of such tragic actions often lies in a lack of social security and support. From a religious standpoint, taking a life is undeniably a grave sin, and the parents will be held accountable for their actions in the eyes of their faith. However, this should also prompt us to reflect on our societal and moral values. Are we collectively failing those in desperate need?
Humans are not born criminals; it is social discrimination, powerlessness, and desperation that can drive them to such extremes. While the government bears the responsibility of ensuring good governance and social security, we too have a duty to uphold social values and support each other. Without this, wealth and academic excellence will be meaningless in a society lacking compassion and humanity.
Advocate Towhida Khondker, Director of Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers Association (BNWLA), who pointed out that in spite of many acts and policies; there is little consciousness about child rights among the stakeholders as well as the law enforcement agencies, government sections, parents, and people of the society. She further added that, most of the countrymen are not acquainted with what children rights demand. Moreover, growing needs, financial desires, long absences of a spouse for work, social expectations effect family bonding and children is easy target of that hurdle.(Asia Times,2016)
We must create an environment where parents are never driven to such desperate measures. While the government has taken steps to reduce social stigma and increase awareness, incidents like this one indicate that much more needs to be done. We need a stronger social safety net to support those in dire situations.
As Khalil Gibran profoundly stated, “They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you — yet they belong not to you.” This quote reminds us that while children are part of our lives, they are not our possessions. Society must ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, is valued and supported. Let this tragedy be a wake-up call. We must enhance our social safety nets, extend compassion, and support those struggling among us. Only then can we hope to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents from recurring.
M A Hossain, political and defense analyst based in Bangladesh. He can be reached at: writetomahossain@gmail.com
This article published at :
1. The Asian Age, BD : 05 June, 24
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