[Disability-vn] Situation of Deaf/Hard of Hearing people in Bangladesh

Ishaque Mia isq21442000 at gmail.com
Sun Jan 10 08:24:39 GMT 2010


Rights ravaged *Deaf-dumb child labourer gets beating for every mistake he
makes; World Human Rights Day today *
 <http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/photo_gallery.php?pid=117099>*Top*,
the snapshot captures a moment as Deen Islam, supervisor of a group of
workers at a Keraniganj rope factory, hits child labourer Ibrahim in the
face. *Middle left and right,* "How many times have I told you not to be
absent-minded?" Deen rebukes Ibrahim, the unfortunate one with speaking and
hearing impairment, and keeps on slapping him. *Bottom left,* the boy sits
helpless before the "master". *Bottom right,* the blank look in the eyes of
the boy tells of the misery of his life. Photo: shafiqul AlamEmran Hossain
with Shafiqul Alam

A momentary lapse of concentration, and there is no getting away with it.
But at the age of seven it's not so easy for Ibrahim to maintain
concentration for 12 hours since daybreak every day. The work seems
never-ending to him like the coils of rope he produces every day at a rope
factory.

Perhaps, he got his mind off the work for a moment recalling once again that
he cannot communicate with anyone like the other kids as he was born deaf
and dumb. Perhaps, his little soul became lighter and suddenly he wanted to
be free. Perhaps, it was then that he missed to get hold of a string his
master was making.

With full force his master's muscled hand would land on his face several
times, leaving a little Ibrahim, who works at Tk 60 per day, trembling and
tossing with fear.

"How many times have I told you not to be absentminded?" Deen Islam, head of
the workers at the rope factory, would say as he beat up the little boy
defying every law.

Ibrahim's lighter mind became heavier with the cruelty of the world. Pale
and downtrodden, he continued work with trembling hands, unable to utter a
single word.

He doesn't know for how long he has to undergo this experience under the
Buriganga Bridge in Aganagar in Keraniganj. But he's not alone. There are 39
other children who toil away all day long in four rope factories there every
day.

This is happening when hundreds of NGOs for children's welfare and rights
organisations hold discussions, seminars and symposiums to ensure the rights
of children.

There are thousands of children involved in different kinds of child labour
in the country. Many of them are enduring unbearable pain like Ibrahim at
any given moment today when the entire world is observing the International
Human Rights Day.

When this correspondent approached Ibrahim, he did not understand anything
and just gave a blank look. His brother Rahim, another child labourer of
eight, came to his aid.

"He [Ibrahim] can neither hear nor speak," Rahim, who works for Tk 50 every
day, said.

As Rahim returned to his place, having a chit-chat with his fellow workers,
Ibrahim continued his work with his head down and eyes focused on the
ground, dipping deep into a soundless world.
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Our people need to learn how to be compassionate and kind, not just earn
money. People don't understand what goes in a deaf and dumb person's mind.
Some are autistic which makes them naturally absent-minded. They are ill and
need treatment. They need a lot of caring and loving. Instead, in that part
of cruel world where rich people are filthy rich, they go through hellish
punishment all though their lives. We have to go a long way to become
civilized.
: Musa

Can someone send me contact info for the disabled boy. I am interested in
helping the boy.

thank you
: shakawat more comments
(30)<http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=117099#comments>
 Comments

   - *Nabiha*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 12:33 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   Interesting. I would like to know if the journalist has done anything on
   his own to make sure the supervisor was dealt with? Although I do know it is
   not the job of a journalist to provide justice, but since it is Human Rights
   Day, might as well make an exception? It would be interesting to see the
   supervisor be handed over to the police or maybe get beaten up by mobs and
   then capture a picture like that!

   The thought of a photographer standing helplessly, taking a picture of a
   man beating a deaf and dumb boy is actually more disturbing to me.. but this
   is only my opinion, all due respect to the DS team, dont mean to offend you.


   - *Afreen*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 12:58 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   I cannot believe such a little money for so hard work where it is totally
   illegal for child labor. But it is to say but difficult to stop it in such a
   poor country. At least we can develop awareness of those masters to be kind
   towards them. I pay honor, love and regards to little Ibrahim through Daily
   Star.
   - *Sharif*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 01:15 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   Unfortunate and sad. Poverty, ignorance has made some people inhuman,
   unislamic and violent. How can I help this poor boy far away from USA.
   Please advise
   - *imthyas*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 01:22 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   That is not FAIR! someone really should do something about it..!!! this
   is the world we live in.!!! I am ashamed!
   - *milon*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 02:14 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   I was shocked & disgusted by the mans actions.

   my belief is what goes around comes around !
   - *Asif*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 02:20 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   Why is this man not behind bars after photographiic evidence of his
   actions? I have no hope for our country. From corrupt politicians to
   barbarians as our citizens, we have no hope.
   - *Reza*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 02:28 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   Very sad and thank you for sharing. Can your newspaper dedicate at least
   one day per month on human rights and make people in general aware of this
   situation. Why can't we be a bit more human?
   - *Ahmad,USA*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 03:11 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   Very sad for this unfortunate kid.
   - *Mabel Gomes*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 03:40 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   It is the most inhumane treatment that a human being can receive. There
   should be some sort of punishment for people like Deen. Govt. and NGOs
   should reach out and save children like Ibrahim who are physically
   challenged and do something about it.
   - *md ferdous alam khan*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 03:56 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   I feel cry when i read this report on deaf child labour gets beating for
   every mistake. this is not huminety, our political leaders should think
   about the deaf child labour. they should save them, help them, feel there
   sorrow. they should learn from the forigen nations how they will love the
   deaf child. may allah save our deaf child's. i from far far away i again
   read the report and cry.
   - *bobby *
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 05:32 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   This boy should not be in the work and other person get panished and 10
   thousend taka fin,never do again.
   - *Tauhidul Islam*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 08:32 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   I have nothing to comment..just sad. Probably the leaders of human right
   organizations are real deaf and dumb. They work to become world leaders, not
   to help the Ibrahims.
   - *Md. Abdullah*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 09:00 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   How can one stop tear to see the pictures. Ibrahim, speaking and hearing
   impaired boy might be born in a rich family. Diability along with poor is
   most valunerable in our society and if she is girl then pain is unmanagable.
   Special thanks to Shafiqul Alam to highlight the issue and special request
   to Dialy star to start campaign to rehabilitate Ibrahim and related
   unfortunate boys and girls.
   - *Gopal Sengupta*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 02:42 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   The gravest threats do not emanate from states. Real threats mostly come
   from religious, linguistic, racial and fanatics with frozen thoughts, who
   transform into terrorists. The alleged state excesses arise only in the
   processes of combating terrorist activities. In the tense and confused
   situations created by terrorists, it becomes difficult to adjudicate whether
   those excesses were due to a bonafide wrong assessment of the ground
   realities or deliberate misdeeds.

   - *DR*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 09:33 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   Dear me, is this the symptom of our poverty or perversion?
   - *Afreen*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 01:00 AM GMT+06:00 (5 weeks ago)

   I cannot believe such a little money for so hard work where it is totally
   illegal for child labour. But it is easy to say but difficult to stop it in
   such a poor country. At least we can develop awareness of those masters to
   be kind towards them. I pay my honor love and regards to little Ibrahim
   through daily star.
   - *Omar Khasru*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:21 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   Astounding and so sad. This society has effectively robbed countless
   children of their precious childhood.
   - *sumon*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:32 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   It is really a scene of heart rendering.But what can be done in the
   country like Bangladesh where they are bound to undergo child labor for the
   purpose of their survival.The master should have thought about his children
   of their age.If these children were of him,could he do this type of
   misbehave with them?Certainly not.Ibrahim,being a child,has his childhood
   behavior.So it is quite natural for him to be bothered with the work &
   absentminded for a while.The master should realize the matter.
   - *Aseque tareq*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 11:29 AM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   Children International is a very reputable organization, they help child
   like Ibrahim all over the world beside Bangladesh. We should all send
   request e-mail to Children international to help Bangladeshi children. Or if
   anyone knows there is any organization that help Bangladeshi children please
   fill free to share with us.
   - *Imran*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 12:44 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   I am willing to help monetarily this Kid. I am sure many other readers
   are thinking the same way but need a structured approach to deal with issues
   like this. Instead of being part of the problem lets be part of the solution
   (one step at a time). Can Daily Star provide an answer how we can help this
   kid and many others like him?
   - *Tanjeel*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 01:07 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   Children are the future of a nation. This is a burning instance of how we
   are shaping our future. God Please pardon us.
   - *Nandita*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 01:17 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   Today is very important day for every developing country. But
   interestingly it is not to be observed as a significant day only because of
   cautiousness. Women and children are more victim group. Some organizations
   will take this day for showing their responsibilities regarding this issue.
   But human rights day is not a specific matter of one day observation day.
   How can we ensure our right in every place in every situation we have to
   play vital role personally instantly. So that this day's importance will be
   legitimized day to day across the world.
   - *mahid*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 01:46 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   So sad..
   - *mohammed *
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 03:28 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   The 4th picture is devastating when you look at the boys face. he does
   not really understand why he is being punished for (becuase of his
   condition). inshah Allah, Allah will provide justice for him, because no one
   else can.

   in the mean time how can i help? we know there are millions like him in
   this situation. but can i help him in any way? can this reporter provide
   some information?
   - *Md.Musfikur Rahman*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 03:30 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   I am really shocked by the picture shown of Ibrahim being tortured by his
   master. But how long will we keep seeing this? Lets all we come forward and
   put our sincere efforts to root it out from our society. My love for little
   Ibrahim.
   - *hanwt*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 04:24 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   pls let me know how can we help this boy? how to contact his parents or
   relatives? where he lives,etc.
   - *mahbub*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 08:33 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   I agree with Ms. Nabiha. This is a disturbing and gruesome picture. While
   the journalist and photographer got credit for showing the abominable
   incident, the readers are eager to know follow up. True, it is not a job of
   journalist to help this kid or hand on the perpetrator. But we do know such
   gruesome picture is the true picture of Bangladesh and it is happening
   everywhere. We ask DS either to stop publishing such disturbing picture or
   provide us a detailed account of the incident with follow up. Many
   compassionate Bangladeshis are eager to help this little boy. Your picture
   let them cry.
   - *sajib*
   Thursday, December 10, 2009 08:40 PM GMT+06:00 (4 weeks ago)

   There is nothing to say because of our honourable leaders . They remain
   busy to attend seminar in purpose street child . but they don't do any
   effective work to minimize this problem. They sent their child to abroad for
   complete their education at any cost but child like Ibrahim always remain
   neglected, there is nobody to provide 3 times food in a day.
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