Bangladesh: Woman branded as witch, blamed for husband's death

Mosammat Rashida's crime? Her husband was killed by a Bengal tiger

Published: February 19, 2020 09:48 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Producer

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Mosammat Rashida is heartbroken but unsurprised that her adult sons, aged 24 and 27, abandoned her and their two young siblings. Her husband died while out collecting honey in mangrove forest that straddles Bangladesh and India. Image Credit: AFP

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'They are part of this society after all,' the 45-year-old said, as she wiped tears from her eyes. Image Credit: AFP

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Her tiny shack has no roof -- it was blown off by a deadly cyclone -- but there have been no offers of help from neighbours or officials, who she claims helped others in the village but shunned her. Image Credit: AFP

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Officials denied omitting Rashida from the help they provided after the cyclone. Image Credit: AFP

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Already grieving the loss of their partner, overnight they become 'tiger widows' -- pariahs in their homes and villages at a time when they most need support. Image Credit: AFP

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'Tiger widows' are often left with little means to support themselves or their families. Image Credit: AFP

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The head of Ledars Bangladesh, Mohon Kumar Mondal, said the mistreatment of 'tiger widows' was widespread in highly conservative communities, which often held 'centuries old' prejudices. Image Credit: AFP

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Bangladesh: Woman branded as witch, blamed for husband's death

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