Step-mother's abuse: Video of child crying at mother's grave goes viral

A heart-wrenching video of an orphan child who was allegedly abused by her stepmother in Lalmai upazila, Cumilla, has caused widespread outrage on social media. After the video went viral, the administration intervened swiftly and released the accused on a bond.

The child was brought to the Upazila Executive Officer's office at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 24. Her stepmother was present and apologised to the nation, promising not to repeat such behaviour in the future.

It is known that 12-year-old Shamima Akhter is a resident of Pohnkuchha West Para village in the upazila. Her mother passed away about four years ago. Her father later remarried and is currently in Saudi Arabia. Allegations have surfaced that she has been suffering physical and mental abuse for a long time while living with her stepmother Ayesha Akhter in her father's absence.

Local sources said the teenager was often beaten by her stepmother. Recently, she was allegedly tied up inside the house and tortured for two consecutive days. Locals claim that although her father was informed, no effective action was taken.

In the video that went viral on Facebook, the girl is seen breaking down in tears at her mother's grave.

While crying at her mother's grave, she was heard saying, "Why didn't you take me with you? Ammu, I'm coming. Ammu, come out. Couldn't you take me? Why did you leave me? Ma, take me with you."

The heartbreaking scene quickly caught the attention of netizens and generated widespread public sympathy.

Following the incident, Upazila Executive Officer Umme Tahmina Mitu took the matter seriously and ordered an investigation. She assigned Bagmara South Union Parishad Acting Chairman Md Lokman Hossain to investigate.

UNO Umme Tahmina Mitu said, "The child's stepmother Ayesha Akhter has been given a one-month probationary period. If similar complaints are received during this time, legal action will be taken against her."