Tanjila's struggle on to save herself

For 15-year-old Tanjila of Gourichanna village of Barguna sadar upazila, August 9 would prove to be a fateful day. Her parents Jahangir Khan and Helena Begum chose the date for her marriage to local rickshawpuller Shahin. But Tanjila didn't agree.

It would take all of Tanjila's courage and then some, to save herself from becoming yet another victim of child marriage. Yet her struggle is far from over.

A dedicated class 9 student of Gourichanna Nawab Samiullah High School, Tanjila is ambitious. “I don't want to marry now because I want to be a physician,” she says.

The school principal Nazmul Faruque has confidence in her. “She is very attentive and regular in attendance. She has a bright future and we should all help her fulfil her dream,” he says.

Unfortunately it is a dream Tanjila's parents do not share.

Tanjila's father works abroad but returned home three months ago on leave from his job. As he is due to go abroad again shortly, neighbours say, he wishes to have his daughter married off before leaving.

When the proposed marriage was first suggested to Tanjila, she refused. But arrangements went ahead regardless.

Concerned, Tanjila then submitted a complaint to the upazila nirbahi office that was forwarded to the local union parishad chairman, a source said.

The chairman, Md. Zakir Hoosain, attempted to mediate. “It's really shameful when a guardian is persisting in trying to marry off their underage daughter.”

Tanjila found an ally in her uncle Panna Khan, who believes in her ability. As a result of mediation it was agreed Tanjila would stay at her uncle's house.

“Tanjila took shelter in our home to save herself from child marriage,” says Shewly Begum, Khan's wife.

However, on August 9, Tanjila was called home by her parents, who choose to believe their daughter's refusal to marry is the result of her being possessed. They enlisted the help of Tanjila's elder sister Jesmin, Jesmin's husband Milon Mia and one Salma who has a reputation as an exorcist.

The five subjected Tanjila to mental torment and beating to exorcise the 'jinn' and force the marriage.

After some hours, her uncle, together with neighbours, was able to rescue the girl and admit her to Barguna general hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Later that evening, Tanjila filed a case with Barguna Police Station accusing her four family members and Salma of physically torturing her in the name of exorcism.

Police later arrested Jesmin and her husband who were sent to jail after appearing in court on 10 August.

On the following day Tanjila's parents surrendered to the court and were granted bail.

“Currently Tanjila is suffering mentally more than physically,” says Md. Kamrul Islam, residential medical officer at the Barguna hospital.

“If I am forced to marry I'll commit suicide,” says a distraught Tanjila from her hospital bed.

The officer-in-charge of Barguna police station says they are keeping a close watch on Tanjila to ensure her safety in light of her mental state.

Meanwhile, Tanjila's mother has filed a case with the women and children repression prevention tribunal in Barguna, accusing Tanjila's uncle Panna Khan of kidnapping her daughter, a charge Khan denies.

“The chairman entrusted the girl to me because she wants to be a doctor,” Khan says.

According to a local woman's rights leader Hosneara Hasi, Tanjila has already proven to be courageous and determined.

“I saw bruises on her body,” says Hasi, “It's very sad. We must provide help to Tanjila so she can resume her normal life as soon as possible.”

The Daily Star contacted Tanjila's father several times for comments but was refused every time.