Once lively and cheerful, Azad Mia, 40, has spent nearly 20 years of his life confined within four walls, chained by the leg. This grim portrait of his life was found during an on-site visit to the home of Azad, the youngest son of freedom fighter and retired police member Musa Mia, in Tatera village, Sahebabad union, Brahmanpara upazila, Cumilla.
The youngest of four siblings, Azad Mia led a normal life until about the age of 20, according to local sources. He is currently kept chained by the leg in a damp room of a single-story tin-shed building. The room has no bed, cot or pillow. Azad, his hair disheveled and his clothing inadequate, smiled and gave his name as Azad and his age as 40 when asked.
Local sources said that when Azad was around 20, a family incident led to an argument with a day laborer named Abdul Latif who had come to work at the house. The family says the laborer was injured with a sharp weapon during the altercation, and it is understood that one of his hands later had to be amputated because of infection. About two years after that, Azad is also alleged to have assaulted his elder brother’s wife during a family dispute.
The family says Azad’s behavior became abnormal after these incidents, and that he has been kept chained out of concern for safety. However, several village residents have expressed concern over keeping a person chained this way for so long, and have called for proper medical treatment and administrative intervention.
Several nearby residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Azad’s father held a government job and was a freedom fighter. The family also has the financial means. It is important that Azad’s physical and mental condition be properly examined and the necessary treatment arranged.”
Asked about the matter, Azad’s elder brother and retired police member Amzad Hossain said: “After my brother was involved in two unfortunate incidents, we were forced to keep him chained for safety reasons. At one point we took him to Pabna Mental Hospital. After doctors gave little hope of recovery, we stopped regular treatment. But recently we had him seen by a psychiatrist in Cumilla. He conducted some tests and asked us to come back next month.”
Sahebabad Union Parishad Chairman Md Monir Hossain Chowdhury called the situation deeply unfortunate, saying: “I have only just learned of this. I will go to the site quickly with the relevant ward member. Once we know the details, we will take the necessary steps with the help of higher authorities.”
Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Faruk Hossain said police would be sent to Azad’s home to look into the matter after learning of it.
He said the necessary legal and social measures would be taken in consultation with higher authorities.
Repeated attempts to reach Brahmanpara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Munni Islam by phone and text message for comment went unanswered as of this report.
The nearly two-decade-long chaining of a person has raised concern among local residents. They are calling for a proper medical examination of Azad’s physical and mental condition by specialists, and swift intervention from the relevant administration.