PM enquires about elderly man left homeless

GOPALGANJ, Nov 5: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought an update on the condition of a 95-year-old man who was forced to take shelter under a tree in Kotalipara Upazila of Gopalganj after raising his six children.

The Prime Minister took notice of the man's plight after reports appeared in the media and directed officials to look into his condition and take necessary measures.

On Thursday, a delegation led by Krishibid Moksedul Momin Mithun, Member Secretary of Amra BNP Paribar, visited Haji Shamsul Haque Molla at his home in Uttar Hiron Village of Kotalipara.

The delegation enquired about his physical and family condition and conveyed gifts and a message of sympathy from the Prime Minister.

Mithun said the Prime Minister had directed them to ensure safe shelter, necessary care and humanitarian assistance for the elderly man.

"During our visit, we learnt that his sons have taken him back home and assured him that they would look after him for the rest of his life. We will inform the Prime Minister about the development," he said.

Shamsul Haque spent much of his life working hard to raise his two sons and four daughters. However, he allegedly faced neglect from his family after distributing his land and property among the six children.

At one stage, he was forced to leave his homestead and take shelter under a tree beside the house.

The incident drew media attention, prompting the Prime Minister to intervene.

According to a press release, after seeing the reports, Tarique Rahman instructed his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon to take necessary steps.

Following the directive, the Amra BNP Paribar delegation visited the elderly man.

Other members of the delegation included Masud Rana Liton, Shakil Ahmed and Shahadat Hossain of the organisation; JCD central committee Joint Secretary Hasnain Nahian Sajib; student leaders Mashiuur Rahman Mahan and Abdullah Al Misbah; and local residents.