Two sons of a woman, who is reportedly being tortured in Saudi Arabia, have pleaded with the authorities concerned in Bangladesh to take the necessary steps to bring their mother back home.
A resident of Shahjahan upazila of Bogra—Mrs Begum, 45— went to Saudi Arabia to work as a domestic helper. Her sons—Mithu Mia and Milon Mia—have written to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fuara Khatun, to return their mother home.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Mithu and Milon revealed that their mother went to Saudi Arabia via Taslim Air International Agency, located in Paltan area of Dhaka.
They said Mrs Begum has told them she is facing physical and sexual harassment at the hands of her employer— a man named Kapil—in Saudi Arabia, for the past five months.
Mrs Begum’s sons have already contacted an agency official named Habibur Rahman, but he shifted the blame to their mother, instead of taking any action regarding the matter.
The sons continued that their mother is concerned that her employer might be trying to sell her to another dubious employer, and she faces physical and sexual abuse every day.
Expressing serious concerns about their mother’s safety, the sons mentioned that they do not possess the financial ability to bring their mother back from Saudi Arabia, and sought the help of the Bangladesh government in this regard.
They also demanded strict action against the agency that sent Mrs Begum to Saudi Arabia.
The correspondent has learned that a person named Abdul Halim, from Sherpur upazila, arranged to send Mrs Begum and Kulsum to Saudi Arabia—via Taslim Air International Agency—in exchange for around Tk35,000.
A staff person of this agency, Habibur Rahman said: “Begum and Kulsum were sent to Saudi Arabia legally, under the agreement between the Bangladesh and Saudi governments. Begum is working as a domestic helper, in a home located in Algasim area, for 800 Saudi Riyals.
“Begum’s employer is treating her well. She and her sons are spreading falsehoods. Her mobile phone would have been seized otherwise.”
Meanwhile, UNO Fuara Khatun stated that she has received the complaints regarding the abuse of Mrs Begum, and will take necessary action after investigating the matter.
mj
