Chained For Safety…

Eight-year-old Chanmukh Basak was born free. Although her father deserted her mother Soma Basak while Chanmukh was still young, Soma didn't give up hope. She took up a job in a garment factory in the city to support herself and Chanmukh. But because Soma lives alone and doesn't have anyone to baby-sit her daughter while she is at work, she chains her daughter in the tiny compound of their abode in Enayet Bazar, Goalpara to ensure that the little girl doesn't get lost in the "big, bad" city. Chanmukh is unchained only on the days her mother gets a holiday. On those days, she is able to move "freely" with her playmates, seen in the picture.Photo: Zobaer Hossain Sikder