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No hard feelings, says doctor held by Bangladesh parents
Samantha Cairns15.12.08
A LONDON doctor freed by the courts after being held captive by her family in Bangladesh was due to arrive back in Britain today.
Dr Humayra Abedin, 33, was being held by her parents against her will in the capital, Dhaka, where they wanted to force her into marriage. But a Bangladeshi court ordered that she be released and allowed to return to the UK.
Dr Abedin, of Upton Park, east London, told reporters: "I'm relieved that I'm free, I'm happy. I just want to say thank you to all those who supported and helped me I don't have any bad feelings towards them, they are my parents so I don't have any bad feelings."
The lawyer representing the NHS doctor in the UK, Anne-Marie Hutchinson, said: "She is currently on a non-direct flight from Dhaka." After speaking to Dr Abedin yesterday, Ms Hutchinson said: "She's fine, but obviously exhausted and was anxious to leave before people changed their mind."
Dr Abedin came to Britain six years ago to study for a Masters degree in public health at Leeds University. She had hoped to become a registrar at a GP surgery in east London but was lured to Bangladesh in August by false reports that her mother was ill.
When she arrived her parents allegedly held her hostage to try to force her to marry a fellow Muslim. While in captivity Dr Abedin sent an email to a friend requesting help.
Her family were reportedly angry because Dr Abedin, who works at Whipps Cross hospital, is believed to have a Hindu partner. He has said that death threats had been issued against his family in Bangladesh.
Judge Syed Mahmud Hossain refused to reveal the testimony of Dr Abedin, saying: "She requested the court not to put her parents in trouble because of what they did to her. But I am saying what you (the parents) have done to her is not acceptable. If there's any further problem you will be in big trouble."
Neighbours in Upton Park were celebrating today. One, who did not want to be named, said: "The man she lives with has a white ex-wife and two mixed race children so I think that's what made her parents so angry."
The High Court in London issued an order under Britain's new Forced Marriage Act, which the Foreign Office hoped would "carry some weight" even though it was not enforceable overseas as Dr Abedin is not British.
Reader views (13)
steve must be a child.
- Danni, hampshire
Advice from experience. If you meet a girl running away from a forced marriage marry her. I did that nearly 40 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did in my life.
Asian girls are fantastic, but often treated very badly. Treat them well and you will be rewarded a thousandfold.
- Anglo, Sussex UK
Fred, your "very intelligent English school fellows" have an opportunity to become doctors and lawyers through that strange beast called free education (well.. almost free).. that's IF they were BOTHERED to study for so many years. Wake up to reality Fred, the immigrants that come here to train and work as professionals have drive and passion that puts most of us Brits to shame and their decision to stay so that our communities may benefit from their specialisms is a bonus. As for you Steve, I'll waste no words on you.
- Sue, Manchester
It doesn't matter if she is British, Bangladeshi or even a Martian, no-one should be treated like that and I am glad she has been released.
- Layla, Scotland
Steve you are spot on.
- Michael Campbell, londonderry n ireland
All you proud 'Brits' out there.This sad old country's going to hell in a handcart and I'm laughing all the way!
- Steve, London
I am happy that a valued medical worker is returning to the UK.
- Helen, Cornwall
I think you Mike, Jayne and Annie have the problem. All our "immigrants" came from the European area and then only in small numbers over hundreds of years. Its sad that people attack the honestly held views from the indigenous English against foreigners. What I find strange too is that none of my very intelligent English school fellows ever were given the opportunity to train as doctors, lawyers etc but immigrants seem to be able to walk into these positions.
- Fred, Horsham
Steve, your ignorance is matched only by your stupidity!!! we are a nation of immigants, drawn from across the world, dating back to long before the roman conquest. Your name, Steven, came to this country through the Normans (Williams lot) , who in term brought it from Greece, so be careful when ascribing race.
- Mike Usiskin, london
The Asian nations have an awful human rights record, especially towards women but we don't hear many critics or campaigners against that.
- Albert Swift, Aberdeen, Scotland
What a lovely comment Steve. Another uneducated, racist view from the far right.
- Jayne, Essex
What in gods name is your problem Steve,she works in our n.h.s hospital probally saving lives, maybe yours!!!!!! one day. Is it not what we BRITS DO BEST, we always poke our noses in every where, it was for the sake of humanity and kindness. PEACE ON EARTH TO ALL MANKIND regards Annie
- Annie, croydon
Why is Britain getting involved?She doesn't belong here anyway.
- Steve, London
