Chouhali's residents with special needs

Rasul, 14: Born normally, Rasul was fine until the age of four when he became seriously ill with diarrhoea, which left him mentally challenged. He once attended school but because of his abnormal behaviour, people started calling him insane and he left school. Rasul always carries a sharp axe with him but never hurts anyone. He was treated both locally and by neurologists at Shishu Hospital in the capital. Doctors said Rasul's brain was small an premature, and said he would recover.

Partha, 7: Partha did not cry when he was born. He could not be breast-fed either. His physical growth has been stunted and he can only say “father” and “mother.” His right hand is weak and bent. Partha drools continuously. He was treated at Central Hospital for a year where doctors advised exercises. He responded well to the therapy. Partha had received a head injury during his birth which resulted in a blood clot at the back of his head. Partha responds to everything. He can identify animals as well.

Urmi, 8: Urmi had a prolonged delivery. After her birth, Urmi did not stop crying for several days. Afterwards, she was admitted to Shishu Hospital in Dhaka where doctors advised her parents to wait it out. Her right hand is weak and she can’t speak properly. Urmi drools all the time but her father says Urmi is very intelligent and responds to everything.

Tarek, 14: Tarek can only walk on his knees. He cannot speak. He is physically and mentally challenged. At birth, Tarek's parents say he shivered and had seizures. He was put on oxygen for 22 days. Although he initially recovered, Tarek’s disabilities started surfacing as he grew older. He was admitted to Pabna Mental Hospital. But as his physical and mental condition deteriorated, he was taken back home.

Rana, 14: Rana is very alert and responds to every question, but he cannot walk. He was born premature after only seven months in the womb. His father thinks excessive medicine may have worsened his situation. A local traditional healer in Manikganj prescribed that Rana be buried up to his neck. This was done for 12 hours every day for seven days, for which the healer charged Tk15,000.

Samapti, 7: Samapti can walk, but with difficulty. Her growth has been sluggish. Her problems were identified when she was born but could not be treated as doctors said it would cost Tk50,000 and there was no guarantee of a cure. She is now in the second grade.

Ismail, 30, Rashidul, 19, Mouri, 15: Abdul Haque has six children, of whom three suffer from disabilities. Ismail was born normal but became physically and mentally disabled when he turned six. There was no apparent reason. Doctors could not explain his sudden turn for the worse. Ismail went missing four years ago.   Rashidul was also born normally. But when he turned seven, his health started to deteriorate. He could not walk or speak smoothly. He now drools all the time but loves to watch sports. He understands when spoken to, but struggles to respond clearly.   Mouri’s symptoms started showing when she was five. She was also treated by doctors but no one could ascertain the reason for her affliction. She can barely manage to crawl on all fours and is completely dependent on family members. Mouri cannot respond when spoken to. She must lie down all day because it is difficult for her to sit up.  

Iti, 16: Iti was born normally but problems surfaced as she grew older. Her speech is unclear and both of her legs are too weak for her to walk without support. She has been unable to walk by herself since she was eight years old. Iti does not see well and responds in monosyllables like “yes” and “no.”

Shoma, 15: Iti’s cousin Shoma has a problem speaking clearly. She has taken the SSC exams where she had problems answering questions at the viva exam. Her mother says she will continue her studies.

Prakash, 22: Prakash cannot walk as his legs are completely paralysed. He was born normally but his head was unusually large and he had a visible tumour in his head. He was treated by various doctors in Sirajganj but did not improve. Doctors said Prakash's situation will not improve even if he is treated in Dhaka. He assists his mother with her weaving, but remains dependent.

Bhedu, 43: Satyaban Modak Bhedu passes his days locked up in a small cell next to the toilet in his family's home. He has been abnormal since birth, but has never hurt anyone. Although he is usually confined to a small room, whenever he is let free, he takes off his clothes and steals food from nearby shops.

Samir, 4: Samir Hossain, is four years old. His father Belal Hossain said Samir had a delayed delivery. Samir's legs are bent and he cannot sit properly. He suffers from seizures. He was treated by doctors in Sirajganj but has not improved.

Sohel, 5: Mohammad Sohel has been physically and mentally challenged since his birth. Sohel's mother had a very early marriage. Sohel has been treated by doctors but the family cannot afford regular therapy because it is too expensive. Sohel drools continuously and is unable to sit up by himself.

Mim, 5: Mariam Islam Mim received head injury during delivery. She can neither walk nor speak properly. She is being treated by doctors in Sirajganj.

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain