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

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.

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

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.

Officials denied omitting Rashida from the help they provided after the cyclone.

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.

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

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.