Father’s appeal for shotgun to protect daughter goes viral

A father from Barguna has applied to the Home Ministry for a shotgun for his daughter's safety, writing an emotional sentence: 'My child is mine, not the state's.' The application has created a huge discussion after it went viral on social media.

The applicant, Masudul Islam, is a resident of Dalachara village in Gulishakhali union of Amtoli upazila of Barguna. In his application sent to the Home Minister, he expressed concern about the increasing violence, torture and insecurity against children in the country on Thursday (May 21).

In the application, he wrote that he is deeply worried about the future of his four-year-old daughter after various barbaric incidents against children. He mentioned that the child is mine, not the state's. Therefore, I will not waste time asking the state for her safety.

Masudul Islam claims that he does not want any illegal weapon; rather, he has sought a shotgun in his name through legal process, so that he can ensure the safety of his child if necessary.

However, despite attempts to contact the applicant through various channels, the applicant's statement could not be obtained.

Many locals believe that this is not just a request for weapons; rather, it is a symbolic expression of a father's fear, frustration and insecurity. After the application went viral on social media, many are seeing it as a reflection of the current social reality.

Monotosh Roy, a teacher in Barguna Sadar, said that when a father is so terrified about his child's safety and requests weapons, then you have to understand how much fear has increased in society.

Human rights activist Arifur Rahman said that such applications are a reflection of the sick situation in society. People are losing faith in the justice and security system.

However, no official statement has been received from the administration on this matter yet.