Newborn Jayan, wrapped in cotton, was left on the side of a road in Mirpur 15 days ago. Although the parents of the infant could not find a place, Chhotomoni Nibash took him in with utmost compassion.
In the last month, four newborns have arrived at Chhotomoni Nibash—two boys and two girls. The girls are named Diva and Dina, and the boys are Zayan and Imad.
The sounds of merry children could be heard from the third floor of the Social Services Directorate's Chhotomoni Nibash building in Dhaka Azimpur on Sunday. Upon entering, the four newborns can be seen sleeping on four swings along the door. The other children had balloons or pieces of cake in their hands.
The children and staff of Chhotomoni Nibash were celebrating Fatema's first birthday. Although it was a happy moment, the life stories of all the children are heartbreaking.
Last year, before she was even born on July 16, Fatema lost her parents and sister in a road accident in Trishal, Mymensingh. Fatema was born after her mother's womb ruptured under the wheels of the truck. The newborn's right hand was injured, but Fatima is now largely healthy.
Nurse Lovelie Parveen said: "Fatema is very fickle. She has just learned to walk and runs outside when the door is opened. She is looking for affection, although her parents are not there to provide it. Sometimes, her grandfather visits her."
The nurse further said: "She still has problems with her right hand. Her right arm cannot be fully straightened."
Meanwhile, Ankhi, Alo, and Mihad were seen roaming across the corridor, but two-and-a-half-year-old Mehrab was not allowed down the stairs, as he suffers from various physical problems.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneMehrab was found wrapped in a banana leaf in a bush in Kishoreganj when he was just one day old. His family had abandoned him due to his ailments, which include spinal problems.
The police managed to track down the family, but they did not accept him back.
Currently, there are 26 children aged from 0-7 years old at Chhotomoni Nibash. Some of them were picked up from the hospital, some were picked up from the street, and some lost their parents. Chhotomoni Nibash is the last refuge for these children.
The Department of Social Services is providing parental care, maintenance, sports, and general education for children at the shelter homes in six divisions. The centres which could accommodate a total of 600 children, now house 135 children.
Nurse Lovely Parveen said: "After receiving treatment, Mehrab is now very well. He can walk now, but the treatment is still ongoing. I have raised many of these children with my own hands over the past six years. Some are still here, while others have been adopted. Some have grown up and moved away. It hurts so much when they leave, but I want them to be well and find a family."
Currently, eight permanent and 10 part-time staff look after the children 24 hours a day at Chhotomoni Nibash. They work in three shifts.
A nurse who did not want to be named said: "If the manpower is increased, it will be possible to take care of the children better. Each child has to be fed by hand, put to sleep, and taken care of. It is not possible to give them enough time. Even so, we are trying to give the maximum."
On the occasion of Fatema's birthday on Sunday, MP Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Member of Parliament of Jessore-3 Constituency, visited the shelter home with his family.
He said: "The activities of our government are expanding day by day. I hope that the Department of Social Welfare and related authorities will look more seriously at the safe housing of orphans and orphans. How children are being brought up in this residence will be further expanded. I hope that government support and individual entrepreneurs can help."
Deputy Superintendent of the facility, Jubilee Begum Ranu said: "There are 26 abandoned and orphaned children in Chotomoni Nibas at the moment. It increases and decreases over time. Eight official nurses are employed to look after these children. Besides, there are five part-time or temporary nurses for the care of children. We are trying our best to take care of children. If the wealthy come forward along with the government, the children will have a better future."
