Blind family threatened, told to beg instead of singing

A visually impaired family in Rajghar, Brahmanbaria, who have earned their living through music for generations, say unidentified men have threatened them and ordered them to beg instead of performing.

Helal Mia said nine of the 13 family members are blind, yet they have never begged. For nearly 50 years they have earned their livelihood by singing at the Brahmanbaria municipal open stage.

He said that on Wednesday, while they were singing as usual, several unidentified men came and forbade them from performing. ‘Whichever party comes to power, you will not be allowed to sing here,’ they warned. They also invoked the name of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar and told them to take up begging.

Helal said they could not identify the men. Out of fear, they stopped singing immediately. ‘In 50 years, such an incident has never happened,’ he said.

Helal, four sons and a daughter are all visually impaired. Singing at the decorated open stage brought them between Tk 1,000–1,500 a day, and up to Tk 5,000 on special days. Their total household comprises 15 members.

Their story has often drawn attention on social media. Helal, who trained in music under Shahnur Shah, began performing in markets and fairs from the age of 10–12, later training his children so they, too, could earn with dignity.

Now he fears for their survival. ‘Nowhere feels safe. If we cannot sing, how will we live?’ he said.

Brahmanbaria district BNP president and former mayor Hafizur Rahman Molla Kochi said he has long supported the family. ‘Some unruly boys caused the trouble. I have told them (the family) to resume their music,’ he said.

The family now hopes only for the freedom to return to the stage and restore the small light of livelihood in their otherwise dark world.