Father gone, mother left children away: Now siblings in police station
Photo: Agamir Somoy
At an age when they should be going to school with books on their shoulders and playing with friends, two children from Sarail Upazila in Brahmanbaria—Siyam and Rifat—have instead faced the harsh realities of life.
Four years ago, they lost their father in a road accident, plunging their lives into uncertainty. Due to their mother's mental illness, they found no safe haven at home either. Eventually, in search of survival and a little security, they ran to the Sarail police station.
The two brothers, residents of Baddapara village in the upazila, lost their father Basir Miah, who was a CNG auto-rickshaw driver and succumbed to road mishap injuries. After the sole breadwinner of the family died, the entire family fell apart. Locals say that their mother, Asma Akhter, has been suffering from mental health issues for a long time, making it impossible for her to properly take care of the siblings and raise them.
Locals said that after their father's death, Siyam and Rifat became truly orphaned. Their days passed depending on meals from neighbors or on people's sympathy. Many times they went hungry. They spent nights taking shelter in others' homes. Education, safety, and a normal childhood—everything seemed to be gradually slipping away from them.
Worried about their future, the two brothers eventually went directly to the Sarail police station with the help of some local school-going children. There, they made one plea to the police: "Please make some arrangement for us. We don't want to live like this anymore."
The Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) on duty, Karun Billah, listened attentively to the children. Upon learning of their helpless condition, he informed his superiors and took steps to provide necessary assistance.
Local residents said that unless a permanent guardian or safe shelter is arranged for the two children, their future will become even more uncertain. They appealed for cooperation from the administration, the Department of Social Services, and affluent members of society.
Sarail Police Station OC Manjur Kader Bhuiyan said that after the children came to the station, the mother was informed. Since their mother is the legal guardian, the two children have been handed over to her custody.
He also added that an appeal has been made to the well-off members of society to come forward to help them.
The story of Siyam and Rifat is not just a tale of two children's personal pain; it is also a stark reflection of our social responsibility. When a child is forced to knock on the door of a police station in search of safety and shelter, questions arise about the fulfillment of duties by the family, society, and the state.
However, there is also a glimmer of hope in this incident. By not turning away the helpless children's plea, the police have shown humanity. What is now needed is a coordinated effort from relevant government agencies, the Department of Social Services, child protection organizations, and socially conscious individuals.
Because every child has the right to safe shelter, education, love, and a dignified childhood. The greatest expectation today is that no child like Siyam and Rifat should lose their dreams for the future due to family crisis, poverty, or neglect.
