Little ‘Princess’ Tuba’s Love Brings New Hope to Anik’s Life

A little girl’s simple act of love has brought new hope to the life of her father, Anik Sikder, after he was tied to a roadside pole following an allegation of attempted theft at a local market in Uzirpur, Barishal.

On Friday night, Anik was reportedly detained by local people at Bamrail Bazar over an allegation of attempting to steal and was tied to a pole. After learning about her father’s condition, his young daughter Tuba rushed to him with a cup of tea and a piece of bread.

With her small hands, Tuba broke the bread into pieces and fed her father while he remained tied to the pole. The emotional scene was later recorded on video and circulated widely on social media, drawing widespread attention.

For Tuba, her father was not someone to be judged for an alleged wrongdoing. She simply saw him as a hungry and helpless person who needed her care.

According to family members, Anik’s family was once financially stable. His father’s illness, however, changed the family’s circumstances. Much of their savings and assets were gradually spent on medical treatment, leaving the family struggling with financial hardship.

Family members also said Anik later became involved with drugs, and a local drug network allegedly took advantage of his vulnerability. The allegation of attempted theft at Bamrail Bazar came amid these difficulties.

Anik’s wife said their family had been facing various problems for a long time because of financial hardship. She said Tuba loves her father deeply and, after seeing him in such a condition, stood beside him and fed him with her own hands.

Following the circulation of the video, Uzirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ali Suja visited Anik’s home on Sunday and spoke with his family.

According to the upazila administration, steps will be taken to ensure that Tuba’s education is not disrupted. The administration is also taking an initiative to arrange employment for Anik so that he can earn a living and support his family.

UNO Ali Suja said the administration would stand beside the child to ensure that her future is not hampered. He also said efforts were being made to provide Anik with an opportunity to work and return to a normal life.

Meanwhile, private voluntary organisation We Are Bangladesh (WAB) Foundation has come forward to support Anik’s employment. The organisation has decided to provide him with a van so that he can earn an income and support his family.

SM Akbar, founder of WAB Foundation and a police official, said the organisation would continue to provide Anik with whatever assistance and empathy it could offer according to his needs and its capacity.

Anik Sikder said he would not commit any wrongdoing again if he had made mistakes in the past. He said he wanted to work, support his family, and ensure that his daughter could continue her education. He also sought support from others to rebuild his life.