A three-year-old girl, Afia, born with the genetic condition of albinism, has been rejected by her father, who accuses his wife of infidelity — forcing the mother and child into a life of hardship in Jashore.
The victim Monira Khatun, 27, is now living in hardship with her infant daughter, at her father’s dilapidated home in Bajuadanga Paschimpara under Ramnagar Union of Jessore Sadar upazila. Her father, Shahid Molla, is a daily wage labourer and he has no son.
Monira claimed that her husband Muzaffar Hossain, son of Majid Molla of Baulia Chandpara village, began accusing her soon after Afia’s birth on November 13, 2022, because the baby had milky white skin and light brown hair and eyebrows.
Albino refers to a person or animal with a genetic condition called albinism, which results in the lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.
“He kept saying the child wasn’t his and stopped communicating with me. After seven or eight months, he divorced me and left the country,” Monira told UNB.
Monira added that she now supports herself and her baby by working in neighbours’ homes.
Monira alleged that her husband’s family has not provided any financial support despite a local arbitration held on May 21, 2024, where Muzaffar’s elder brother Abu Bakkar had pledged to send Tk 1,500 per month for Afia’s expenses. “Even after two years, we haven’t received a single taka,” she said.
Neighbour Asma Khatun said Monira works in her house and that the community is trying to support her. “But we don’t have the means to do much. If they get government assistance, it would help,” she said.
Abdul Gafur Molla, former member of Ward-7 of Ramnagar Union, said Mozaffar left his wife and daughter only because of the child’s different skin colour.
“We tried to resolve the issue several times, but his family wouldn’t listen,” he said.
Ramnagar Union Panel Chairman Ramprasad Roy said the Union Parishad has contacted Monira and will stand by her. “The incident is deeply unfortunate. In this day and age, such inhumane acts cannot be accepted. We’ll ensure the family gets assistance,” he said.
Union Parishad Administrative Officer Mizanur Rahman said that Monira has been advised to submit an application for aid.
“We’ll try to help her rebuild her house and consider her for social safety programmes, including food and financial assistance,” he added.
Dermatologist Dr. Golam Mortuza said that the baby’s condition is known as albinism, caused by genetic factors. There are many children like Afifa in our country. Its treatment has not been discovered yet.
“It doesn’t cause physical illness, though the child should avoid direct sunlight to protect her eyes and skin,” he said.
When contacted, Muzaffar’s brother Abu Bakkar claimed the issue had been settled locally but cut the phone call when asked further questions. Muzaffar himself could not be reached for comment.
Jessore Deputy Commissioner Md. Azaharul Islam told UNB that the administration would provide financial support for Monira and her daughter, and assistance in rebuilding their home.