Forgotten by society, unforgiven by hunger

An indigenous family belonging to the Mahato community has been suffering from hunger pangs as all four members are physically challenged.

Poverty has forced them to share their living space with their lone cow at Baramchal Tea Garden in the remote area of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar district.

When this correspondent approached them at Baramchal Tea Garden, some 45 km away from Moulvibazar town, they initially refused to talk.

"Many people like you come to visit us with a promise to help us but they never keep their words," they resented.

"We have been fasting for days. Tonight, we could manage some arum leaves," they said.

"Nobody cares for us; we go to bed unfed most of the nights," said Mohanlal Kurmi.

It could be learnt that Mohanlal Kurmi and Jasanti Kurmi belonging to the Mahato community are physically challenged. Mohan Lal is speech impaired and physically challenged. Each of the two children--Arjun Kurmi, 15, and MalatiKurmi, 13,--is also visually impaired.

Jasanti is the breadwinner of the family. She somehow supports the family by working as a day labourer and tending betel plantation.

Mohanlal also tried to add to the family income but he could not continue because of his physical challenges.

According to them, their one child is entitled to a government allowance of Tk 750.

Mohanlal Kurmi's younger brother Chunulal Kurmi said, "I am also a very helpless person yet I try to help them. But sadly, that is not enough."

Shakhawat Hossain, Kulaura upazila social welfare officer, said that according to the policy, more than one person in the same family will not get the allowance.

Saidul Hasan Shipon, general secretary of Kulaura Sangbadik Samity, said he also visited the family earlier.

If the family is not given quick support, all the people in the family will starve to death, he added.