Rangpur: A teenage girl has been rescued after being kept in chains at her family home in Machuapara village of Taraganj upazila, in an incident that highlights the tensions between early marriage, family authority, and a young woman’s choice. The girl, aged 17 years and nine months, had left home three months ago and married Mahbub Alam of neighboring Nilphamari district following a relationship. The couple had been living at the husband’s family home without any issues.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the situation escalated when she returned to her parents’ house for a short visit on April 13, after being assured by her family. However, within two days, her family refused her wish to return to her husband’s home. A complaint reveals that she was then confined and kept in chains from April 15.
The ordeal came to public attention when her father-in-law, Majnu Mia, filed a written complaint with Taraganj Police Station on Thursday afternoon. Acting on this, police and the upazila administration conducted a rescue operation. Majnu Mia expressed his acceptance of the couple when they initially came to his home, and he allowed them to live together. He claimed that relatives from the girl’s family had assured him of their acceptance of the marriage before taking her back.
Majnu Mia further stated, “When my son later went to bring his wife home, he found she had been kept in chains and even beaten.” Meanwhile, the girl’s father maintained that the young man was financially incapable of supporting his daughter and refused to send her back.
Officials reported that the girl was found chained inside the house and was subsequently sent to an Integrated Child Rehabilitation Centre in Rangpur. Ruhul Amin, Officer-in-Charge of Taraganj Police Station, confirmed that the girl was rescued and handed over to the Department of Social Services for protection. Mahmudul Haque, Upazila Social Services Officer, noted that the girl’s marriage was not legally valid, as she is still underage. She will remain at the rehabilitation center until reaching adulthood.
The case underscores the complex challenges faced by young individuals in rural areas, where personal choices, economic concerns, and legal boundaries often intersect, sometimes leading to profoundly distressing outcomes.