Action must be taken against joint secretary over neglect of mother: State minister

The government has initiated steps to take legal action against a joint secretary over allegations of neglect in connection with the death of his mother in Dhaka’s Mirpur area, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said today (3 June).

The matter is being reviewed under the existing Parents’ Maintenance Act, he told reporters.

“There is a law regarding the maintenance of parents, and action will be taken according to it. We will take statements from the concerned official and follow due process. The process has already begun, and investigations are underway,” he said.

The incident came to light after the body of 75-year-old Noor Jahan Begum was recovered from her residence in Mirpur Section 6, Block C, on Road no 13, amid reports of severe neglect and extremely poor living conditions.

According to media reports, the deceased lived with her daughter. Her children include a joint secretary, a Buet teacher, and a schoolteacher.

Images and video footage from the residence, which circulated on social media, showed extremely unhygienic living conditions inside the flat.

Reports also suggested that the body showed signs of severe deterioration at the time of recovery, including the presence of insects.

The case has once again brought attention to the Parents’ Maintenance Act 2013, which was reinforced through regulations in 2023.

The law mandates that children must ensure the welfare of their parents, including regular care, medical attention, and financial support.

Under the law, failure to comply can result in fines of up to Tk1 lakh or imprisonment of up to three months in case of non-payment of fines.