Legal notice seeks explanation from children over elderly mother's decomposed body

A legal notice has been sent to the four children of Noorjahan Begum, 75, whose decomposed body was recovered from a flat in Mirpur, capital, demanding an explanation regarding their legal and moral duties towards their mother.

The notice, signed by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Farzana Yasmin Rakhi, was sent on Wednesday, June 3. It asks the children to provide a written explanation within seven days regarding their mother's maintenance, medical care, and fulfilment of family responsibilities.

The four children are Dr A K M Anisur Rahman, Joint Secretary of Khulna Sea Port; Professor Dr A K M Ashikur Rahman of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology; K M Atikur Rahman, a Canadian expatriate; and schoolteacher Fatima Nasrin Sultana. The notice was served by another Supreme Court lawyer, K M Ashraf Rabbi.

The notice states that according to media reports, Noorjahan Begum died alone in a flat in Mirpur, with her body being recovered several days later, causing widespread public reaction. The incident is not merely a family matter but relates to the rights of elderly citizens, family responsibility, social values and the rule of law.

The notice asks what arrangements were made for the mother's maintenance, medical care and necessary support during her lifetime, as well as an explanation regarding communication and family responsibilities before her death.

If a satisfactory response is not received within the stipulated time, the notice warns of approaching administrative authorities, the National Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Social Welfare and law enforcement agencies for necessary action.