Opratim’s mother rejects victim blaming

Nahida Begum, mother of 13-year-old Ishayat Shahriar Opratim, who was found dead after going missing, has strongly protested attempts to blame her son through narratives circulating on social media.

The Cumilla University teacher expressed her anger when leaders of the Cumilla District Bar Association visited her home on Tuesday night.

“I will never accept the blaming of my young child. He is just a boy who does not fully understand things,” she said, alleging that some people had befriended him over a long period before portraying him negatively.

“Why is my young child being subjected to victim blaming?” she asked.

Nahida, an associate professor in the Department of Bangla at Comilla University, also recalled that while serving as the university’s acting proctor in early 2025, she had handed over several drug users and dealers to police. She expressed concern that her son might have faced hostility because of actions she had taken in that capacity.

“I do not seek justice solely for my son. I am also deeply concerned about how many more children’s lives might be taken or destroyed by his killers if they are released from prison. I want a fair trial for this murder,” she said.

She also alleged that some quarters were spreading claims on social media portraying Opratim as having led an unruly lifestyle, saying such narratives were causing further anguish to the already grieving family.

Meanwhile, Cumilla District Bar Association President Md Shahidullah said no member of the association would represent the accused in the Opratim murder case.

He said the decision was verbally taken on Tuesday afternoon following a meeting between Cumilla University authorities and Bar Association leaders.

“From a humanitarian perspective, we have verbally decided that no member of the Bar Association will represent the accused in the Opratim murder case,” Shahidullah said.

He clarified that the decision was not a formal written resolution but a principled position taken by lawyers in view of the brutality of the incident.

However, he said the accused would retain their legal rights. The state would therefore be asked to appoint lawyers for them, as a one-sided trial could undermine the administration of justice.

Cumilla Court Public Prosecutor Kaimul Haque also visited Opratim’s parents on Tuesday night, saying they had gone to offer condolences to the bereaved family.