Question:
A young girl is being forced to live with her father after her parents’ separation. The father is making her work in another house and subjecting her to inhuman torture. The girl is calling her mother and saying she doesn’t want to live with her father, but he is keeping her by force. The girl’s mother was not divorced, and the father remarried and continues to abuse the child. How can the girl be taken back to her mother?
Answer:
In this case, the girl’s safety and well-being should be the top priority. Here’s what can be done under Bangladeshi law:
- File a Complaint: The first step is to report the abuse to the police. The mother or any concerned individual can file a complaint with the police about the father’s inhuman treatment and forced custody. Child abuse is a criminal offense in Bangladesh, and the police can take immediate action to investigate the situation.
- Child Protection Services: Bangladesh has child protection laws and authorities who are responsible for safeguarding children from abuse. The mother can contact the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs or other child welfare organizations to seek help in rescuing the girl from her father’s custody.
- Court Petition for Custody: If the father refuses to release the child, the mother can file a petition in family court to obtain custody of the child. The court will assess the situation and make decisions based on the child’s best interest. If the father is found to be abusive, the court may order the child to be returned to the mother’s care.
- Emergency Protection Order: In cases of immediate danger, the mother can approach the court for an emergency protection order, which can require the father to immediately cease any abuse and allow the child to live with the mother.
- Legal Advice: It is important for the mother to consult a lawyer specializing in family law to guide her through the process and take the appropriate legal actions to ensure the child’s protection and custody.