Martyr Arman Molla’s children sent to orphanage amid financial hardship

The children of Arman Molla, a martyr of the anti-discrimination mass movement, have been placed in an orphanage due to extreme financial hardship following his death.

Arman Molla, also known as Nahid, was shot dead on July 21, 2024, during a protest in front of Shilmandi Union, Narsingdi. He died on the spot. A resident of Nayapara in Kalagachia, Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj, Arman was the sole breadwinner for his five-member family.

His untimely death has left his wife Salma Begum and their three young children in a state of despair. With no income and suffering from degenerative hip disease, Salma has been unable to provide for her children. She now lives with her father, Mir Ali, but his limited means have been insufficient to support the entire family.

Forced by financial constraints, Salma recently admitted her eldest daughter Mahi (10) and son Rafi (7) to an orphanage. Fighting back tears, she said, “My father can not afford to support all of us. That’s why I had to send my children to the orphanage.”

“My husband used to help me around the house when my hip condition worsened,” she added. “Now I can hardly move or work outside. I need 800 taka a month just for medicine, but we can barely manage food.”

Salma also alleged that she has not received any government assistance. “I’ve heard the government gave lakhs in compensation, but I received nothing. The cheque went to my in-laws, who have refused to share even a single taka.”

She expressed disappointment at the change in her in-laws’ attitude since her husband’s death. “They didn’t even care to look at my children,” she said, her voice heavy with sorrow. “I had a good relationship with them when my husband was alive. Now, they’ve started oppressing me.”

Salma made a heartfelt appeal to the authorities: “I request help from the government and the public. Please help me raise the children my martyr husband left behind. Let me preserve his honor.”

In response, Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam assured that the matter would be investigated. “The brave sons of the July–August uprising are a source of national pride,” he said. “Their families will not be left behind. We will take necessary steps to ensure they receive proper support.”