UK mother reunites with son in Chattogram after a decade through Legal Aid mediation

A mother from the United Kingdom was reunited with her son in Chattogram today (22 June) after a decade apart, following a legal aid-mediated settlement that paved the way for them to reconnect.

The emotional reunion took place at the Chattogram District Legal Aid Office, where the two sides agreed to a set of conditions aimed at gradually rebuilding the relationship while prioritising the child's wellbeing.

According to officials, the child was born in the UK in 2013. His parents, who married in 2011, separated about 18 months after his birth. Following the separation, the child came under the care of UK social services.

A UK court later ruled that neither parent was able to provide a suitable environment for the child and ordered that he be raised by his grandmother in Bangladesh. 

The court also directed that the child should be allowed to maintain virtual contact with his mother and receive gifts from her.

The child was brought to Chattogram in 2016 and has been living with his grandmother ever since.

Although the mother initially remained in contact through video calls, communication gradually broke down. 

In 2024, she travelled to Bangladesh in search of her son and eventually located him, but legal complications prevented a meeting.

After returning to the UK, she sought legal advice in both countries. While some lawyers recommended litigation, Supreme Court lawyer Zahidul Islam advised her to pursue mediation through Legal Aid, arguing that a court case could take years to resolve.

Acting on that advice, she submitted an online application to the Chattogram Legal Aid Office on 17 May, seeking enforcement of the UK court's order regarding access to her son.

Mohammad Ershadul Islam, personal assistant to a Legal Aid official in Chattogram, said notices were issued to both parties following the application.

"The judge directed both parties to appear before the Legal Aid office. They attended the hearing today, and the mother travelled from the UK to take part," he said.

Under the settlement, the mother will be allowed to communicate with her son online for one hour during the first week of every month. The child's current guardians will also help foster a healthy relationship between the two.

If the mother visits Bangladesh, both sides will jointly decide on a suitable place for meetings. They will also be able to exchange greetings on festivals and special occasions, either in person or online, while gifts may be sent through representatives.

The agreement stipulates that the mother must avoid any communication that could negatively affect the child's mental wellbeing. 

Likewise, the guardians must refrain from any actions that could hinder the child's psychological development.

Both parties accepted the conditions.

Following the settlement, the mother embraced her son at the Legal Aid office, bringing an emotional end to a years-long separation.

The child's uncle said the family had cared for him in accordance with the UK court's order and would continue to follow all directives.

"The child has been living well with his grandmother. We informed the Legal Aid judge of that. We will comply with the instructions given today," he said.

Responding to claims that the family had become unreachable, he said they had not changed their address in Chattogram and had responded whenever the mother attempted to establish contact.

District Legal Aid Officer and Senior Assistant Judge Subrata Das said the settlement was reached in line with the UK court's ruling and with the child's best interests in mind.

"The matter has been resolved through mediation under Legal Aid while ensuring the highest welfare of the child," he said.

Speaking after the reunion, the mother said she travelled to Bangladesh as soon as she learned of the mediation date.

"Today I hugged my son after 10 years. There is no greater happiness for me than this," she said.

Explaining why she had been unable to visit earlier, she cited the loss of communication, the Covid-19 pandemic and immigration-related complications.

"After 2016 we communicated online for some time, but later I could no longer find him despite repeated efforts. Through Legal Aid, the matter was resolved quickly, and I have finally been able to see my son again in line with the court's directives," she added.