Domestic worker abuse: 13-yr-old Kalpana smiles again, set to return home after surgery
On the night of 19 October, police raided the house in Bashundhara RA where Kalpana worked and rescued her
![[Left] When Kalpana was rescued in October 2024. [Right] Kalpana set to be released from the hospital in 2025. Photos: Collected](https://tbsnews.net/sites/default/files/styles/big_3/public/images/2025/01/28/n.jpg)
After three months and ten days undergoing treatment and plastic surgery, 13-year-old Kalpana smiles again.
She had endured severe torture for years while she was a domestic worker for residents of a house in Bashundhara Residential Area.
When she was rescued and taken to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) burn and plastic surgery unit in late October last year, she was treated for multiple injuries and burns all over her body and had four of her front teeth pulled out.
As of this week, Kalpana is all set to return home to her family after undergoing rigorous treatment and multiple surgeries, confirmed Md Nasir Uddin, associate professor of DMCH plastic surgery and burn unit.
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Speaking to The Business Standard this evening (28 January), the doctor said Kalpana was brought in with multiple wounds resembling burns.
"Her physical condition was very poor due to suffering chronic torture over a a long period of time. At present, her mental and physical health condition has largely improved.
"She will be released from the hospital within a day of two," said Dr Nasir.
13-year-old domestic worker tortured for years, rescued with 4 teeth knocked out, numerous wounds
Referring to the medical procedures Kalpana's treatment entailed, the doctor said reconstructive surgeries were performed in phases on her body and facial features, particularly her lips and teeth.
He further noted that she will require some more medical attention for her ailing dental condition which will also continue as part of her follow up treatment.
On the night of 19 October, police raided the house where Kalpana worked and rescued her.
At that time, Dinat Jahan Ador, 21, the resident of the house, was arrested on charges of domestic worker torture. Later, she was placed on one-day remand by the court on 20 October.
The victim Kalpana is the daughter of Shahid Mia and Afia Begum of Sujan village in Lakhai Upazila, Habiganj. She is the fifth among five sisters and one brother.
