Jhenaidah victim’s family seeks government support

They said they were concerned for their children’s safety and had stopped the daughters from going to school. Shahanur informed one Shahin, the son of former UP member Mohsin, and another villager about his daughter's harassment and asked them to settle the matter last month. But it only worsened the situation, said Shahanur’s wife Arjina Begum. Shahanur was attacked on October 16 soon after Shahin discussed the matter with local Kasthavanga Union Parishad member Kamal of Noldanga village in Kaliganj upazila. Arjina claimed UP member Mehbubur’s son Azad, UP member Kamal and supporters -- Jahid, Hasan, Billal, Imdadul and Dukhu -- conducted the attack. Kamal is also the general secretary of the union Jubo League unit. She said the attackers were pressuring them to withdraw two cases filed over the attack. “They are threatening to harm our daughter Shahana, who is a class VII student,” Arjina said. “My husband was the only wage earner of our family. We have become helpless. Our in-laws are providing us financial assistance but it is not enough. We are continuing the treatment with borrowed money.” The hospital authorities have provided the bed for free but the expenses are way too much for them, she added. Asked if they had applied for free treatment, Arjina said she was unaware of the procedure. “They know all about our condition, what more can we say.” Shahanur’s elder daughter Sharmin said the stalkers had forced her to discontinue her studies after her first year bachelor’s exam in 2013, and now her younger sister Shahana suffered similar fate. “The incident [October 16 attack] shattered our father’s dreams.” Yakub Ali, Shahanur’s brother-in-law, filed a case with the District Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court the following day accusing seven persons. Later, Shahanur’s elder brother Samaul Biswas filed a separate case against 16 people, including the seven persons accused in the first case. Yakub told the Dhaka Tribune: “Shahanur was attacked for protesting against the stalking. The attackers are roaming free but police say they cannot trace them.” Kaliganj OC Aminul Islam denied the allegation. “We have arrested Kamal’s brother and are trying to nab the others. What can we do if we cannot find them?” Shahanur underwent a surgery Tuesday and was unable to speak much but said he was concerned about his family’s safety. “I do not know if I will get justice. Now, I am only concerned about my children’s future and their safety,” he added.