A visually impaired family in Brahmanbaria, who have survived with dignity for nearly 50 years by singing at the Municipal Mukta Mancha, were recently threatened by unknown individuals and told to stop singing and “beg instead.” The family—nine of whose 13 members cannot see—has never begged, relying entirely on music for survival.
According to Helal Mia, the head of the family, the incident occurred on Wednesday when a group of unidentified men approached them mid-performance and warned that regardless of which party comes to power, the family would no longer be allowed to sing. They also referenced Baul artist Abul Sarkar while issuing the threats. Frightened, the family stopped performing—an interruption they say has never happened in five decades.
For generations, the family earned Tk 1,000–1,500 a day—sometimes up to Tk 5,000 during festivals—singing on the open stage decorated with lights. Music had been their only source of income and dignity. Trained by musician Shahnur Shah, Helal began singing as a child and later taught his children. Now, he fears how the family will survive: “No place feels safe anymore. What will we do if we can’t sing?”
Brahmanbaria District BNP President and former mayor, Hafizur Rahman Molla Kochi, said he has long supported the family and believes “some unruly boys” were behind the harassment. He has encouraged them to continue singing. Meanwhile, the family waits anxiously, hoping the stage that sustained them for decades remains a place where they are free to sing—and to live.
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