One day with Rita

Rita’s home is in Dingamari village of Naria in Shariatpur. Rita was a good student. The year 2012 she was preparing for SSC examination. But suddenly she became mentally sick for some unknown reason. She was not treated due to lack of money. The normal course of her life changed. It was not possible to keep her at home due to her aggressive behavior and vandalism. She took refuge under the open sky in the forest next to her house. Rita began to live an inhuman life year after year in chains. We got the news of Rita from Rtv’s Naria correspondent Ibrahim. We were very surprised to know that as a mentally handicapped person, she does not get any of the existing government facilities. Rita’s treatment was taken immediately. And the opportunities that she deserves were also made known to the local administration so that she could get them. A report on her was also aired on Rtv. Everyone around became aware.

Then I went to see Rita. Seeing so many people together, she became a little uneasy. We think she was a little embarrassed. Her hair was messy. The comb has not fallen for a long time. The fingernails are big and black with dirt. We asked her family why she was in such a state, her mother said she would not let anyone go near her. Then Syeda Munira Islam from Inspiration Welfare Society untied his leg. She sat in their yard with her. She looked happy after opening the chain. She calmed down after she talked to her with care. Then we handed her the gift items we had taken for her. We handed over money for her treatment and gifts to Rita’s parents. When we went to talk to the neighbors, we heard many complaints about this girl. Soon enough we realized that neither the family nor the neighbors could sympathize with the girl’s condition. No one could sympathize with the boundless suffering of this helpless girl. This negative attitude towards Rita has made the girl more aggressive, has made her more ill.

Syeda Munira Islam asked Rita if she wanted to take a walk with her. Rita gladly agreed. Rita wandered around with her for quite some time. The whole time she stayed as a good girl. The truth is, no one likes captive life. Being able to move around so freely made her feel very good. It was too bad to say goodbye to her at the end of the walk.

The health of these people does not depend only on medical treatment or medicine. The positive attitude, love and sympathy of those around them are much more important in this case. Our negative attitude towards them pushes us back unknowingly and severely.

We tried to bring her back to normal life by supporting her from our side. This is the hope that Rita will get back a beautiful life with the joint efforts of all.

Gratitude Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanvir-Al-Nafis, Chairman Md. Anwar Hossain Khan, Upazila Health Officer Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam, Rtv Madaripur Representative Khalil, Rtv Shariatpur Representative Md. Ibrahim and members of Inspiration Welfare Society.