Denmark citizen leaves Pabna, failing to trace root
Bangladesh origin Denmark citizen Mentoo Carsten Sonnich along with his wife Anette Holmelhave left Pabna for Dhaka en route to Denmark yesterday morning, after three weeks' failed attempt to find his root.
The couple came to Pabna on September 2.
“At the age of six, I went missing from my family and a man travelling to Dhaka through Nagarbari Ghat found me there alone on April 12 in 1977. I was sent to Denmark later,” recalled Mentoo, now 47.
“Denmark couple Ole and Benfe adopted me and I grew up there. But I am always eager to meet my root,” he said.
Coming to Bangladesh after long 41 years of departure, Mentoo with his wife first visited Thataribazar of Old Dhaka as the address was mentioned in his early life Bangladeshi passport but he found none to tell him anything about his root there.
Then he went to Pabna in search of his root.
Shadhin Bishwas, Mentoo's local guide in Pabna, said, “In last few weeks we visited Nagarbari and many adjoining villages to find out the root of Mentoo's family but failed to get any authentic evidence.”
“As many as 17 families have claimed Mentoo as their son but none of them could give any conceivable evidence, which made him disappointed.”
“Those claimants have said they are ready to go for DNA test through the district administration. Mentoo has already undergone two DNA tests with American and Denmark institutions. And so, there is scope for cross-checking the claims,” said Shadhin.
On Friday last, Mentoo and his spouse were accorded a warm reception with the traditional cultural programme of Bangladesh in Pabna Press Club.
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