Action against Joint Secretary under Parents Maintenance Act for neglecting mother: State Minister

The Ministry of Public Administration has initiated steps to take legal action against a Joint Secretary following reports that he allegedly neglected his elderly mother, whose body was recovered from a residence in the capital's Mirpur area.

The issue came to light after the death of 75-year-old Nur Jahan Begum. Media reports revealed that her children include a Joint Secretary, a teacher at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and a schoolteacher.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said action would be taken in accordance with the Parents Maintenance Act.

"There is a law regarding the maintenance of parents, and measures will be taken in line with the law," he said.

The state minister added that due process would be followed, including obtaining the statement of the concerned official and conducting the necessary inquiries.

"The process has already begun. We are looking into the matter," he said.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion over the responsibilities of adult children toward their elderly parents and the enforcement of laws designed to protect them.