‘Joint secy made OSD over mother neglect allegation

The government has withdrawn Joint Secretary Dr AKM Anisur Rahman from his current duty amid nationwide criticism over the death of his 75-year-old mother, Noor Jahan Begum, in Dhaka’s Mirpur.
The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Wednesday in this regard.

Anisur Rahman had been serving as member for engineering and development at the Mongla Port Authority.

According to the notification, he has been asked to be released from his current workplace within the stipulated time and join his designated office. It also said he would be considered released immediately if he fails to hand over his responsibilities within the given time.

The move came after police recovered the body of Noor Jahan Begum from a house in Mirpur-11 on May 31 after receiving a call through the national emergency helpline 999.

Police said the body had remained inside the residence for some time before recovery. The condition of the flat was reportedly extremely unhygienic.

Noor Jahan Begum had been living with her daughter at the house. Local residents said the matter came to attention after a foul smell spread in the area, prompting them to inform police.

Video footage that later circulated on social media showed poor living conditions inside the flat, triggering widespread public outrage.

Neighbours said it was unacceptable that an elderly woman had to live and die in such a neglected environment.

According to reports, Noor Jahan Begum’s children include a joint secretary, a Buet teacher and a schoolteacher. The fact that her children are established professionals has intensified public reaction to the incident.

The case has once again brought the Parents’ Maintenance Act 2013 into public discussion. The law makes children responsible for the maintenance, healthcare, regular care and welfare of their parents.

Under the law, if parents have multiple children, the children are expected to share the responsibility through mutual understanding.

Earlier, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said the matter was being reviewed under the Parents’ Maintenance Act and that legal action would be taken after due process.