A foundation named Shamsul Haque Foundation has expressed its keen interest in taking responsibility for the temporary care of elderly, children, and sick individuals at the contentious Milton Samaritans` "Child and Old Age Care" facility. This announcement was made to the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
During a press briefing held on Monday (May 6th) at the DB office, Mohammad Harun ur Rashid, the head of DB, confirmed the matter in response to a question from journalists.
"We are interested in providing necessary arrangements, including food, for the orphaned children, elderly, and paralyzed individuals residing at Milton Samaritans` shelter," said Harun ur Rashid. "Representatives from the foundation visited us yesterday, and we have requested them accordingly."
The Milton Samaritans` shelter has been providing refuge to helpless women, children, and elderly individuals on the streets for nearly a decade. Under the banner of "Child and Old Age Care," the shelter has been offering shelter, medical care, and funeral arrangements for those who have passed away.
Recent allegations of irregularities, including the creation of death certificates through human trafficking, have been raised against Milton. Following significant media coverage, Milton was apprehended by the DB on the night of May 1st.
Earlier, The Metropolitan Magistrate`s Court of Dhaka has ordered a four-day remand for Milton Samadder, the chairman of Child and Old Age Care Ashram, in a case filed under the allegations of violation of human rights. The order came after the conclusion of the hearing on Sunday (May 5) afternoon, where Magistrate Begum Shanta Akhtar issued the directive.
For more reading: Milton Samadder remanded for 4 Days in human rights case
Since then, uncertainty has shrouded the fate of the shelter`s residents. The Shamsul Haque Foundation has shown interest in taking charge of the children and elderly individuals currently residing there amidst this uncertainty.
"We have asked the Shamsul Haque Foundation to ensure the necessary arrangements, including food and medicine, for the orphaned children, elderly, and paralyzed individuals at Milton Samaritans` shelter," stated Harun ur Rashid. "They have agreed to our proposal. They will provide a regular doctor, and the expenses will be borne by the foundation."
Harun further added that the fate of the children, elderly, and paralyzed individuals currently housed at the shelter will be decided later.
