115-year-old father blocked from hospital over land dispute in Sreepur; administration steps in to rescue him

In Sreepur of Gazipur, a 115-year-old ailing father has allegedly been blocked from being taken to hospital by his 80-year-old elder son over a dispute about signing over land. Family members allege that a tin fence erected in front of the house has closed the passage, making it impossible to arrange treatment for the centenarian for several months. After learning of the matter, the local administration has taken the initiative to rescue the elderly man and take him to hospital.

The incident took place in the Dhali Para area of Abdar village under Telihati Union of Sreepur upazila. Mohammad Abu Saeed, the younger son of the ailing elderly man Hazi Munsur Ali, said his elder brother Abdul Kadir has declared he will not allow their father to be taken to hospital unless the land is signed over. This family property dispute has now become a question of life and death for a helpless old man.

Family members claim the ailing man's physical condition has been deteriorating for a long time. They say his body has even begun to decay. But because of the tin fence in front of the house, he cannot be taken to hospital — and for a dying man, every day's delay can bring a terrible outcome.

Abu Saeed said, “Father is now on his deathbed. We cannot take him to hospital. A tin fence has been put up in front of the house. My elder brother has said treatment will not be allowed unless the land is signed over.” The younger son's statement reflects the helplessness of the whole family.

Responding to the allegation, Abdul Kadir said, “I will not allow him to be taken to hospital until my share of the land is signed over to me. I have no problem even if I face jail or the gallows for this. The property must be signed over first, then he can be taken to hospital.” The stance of the 80-year-old elder son has created astonishment and anger among local people as well.

The elderly man's grandson Bachchu Mia said they have been trying to arrange treatment for their grandfather. But because of the fence in front of the house, it has not been possible to take him to hospital. In this situation, they have sought the help of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

Mobarok Hossain Murad, acting chairman of Telihati Union Parishad, said that on the UNO's instructions, members of the village police have been sent to the spot. Arrangements are being made to rescue the elderly man and admit him to hospital.

Sreepur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nahid Bhuiyan said, “As soon as I learned of the matter, necessary steps were taken with the help of the local UP chairman.” The family hopes the administration's move will open the way to the elderly man's treatment.

Incidents of elderly parents' treatment and care being obstructed amid family property disputes are not new in the country. Under the law, ensuring parents' maintenance and treatment is the responsibility of their children, and obstructing the fulfilment of that responsibility is a punishable offence. This incident is another sad example of that reality.

Local residents demand that the elderly man's treatment be ensured first, and that the land dispute be resolved through legal means and family discussion. The life of a 115-year-old man can in no way be a subject of bargaining over property, locals say.

It is hoped that, through the administration's initiative, the elderly man will be admitted to hospital and his treatment will begin. Readers will be informed when his physical condition and the progress of resolving the subsequent family dispute become known.