A special awareness meeting for parents of children born with clubfoot, locally known as ‘Mugur Pa’, was held in Feni on Wednesday. The session focused on the importance of medical consistency and overcoming social stigmas associated with the congenital condition.
Organised under the ‘Walk For Life’ project, the ‘Parents Group Meetings’ took place at the Alabox Specialised Physiotherapy Treatment Centre in the town’s Temuhani area. The initiative was implemented by the non-governmental organisation United Purpose with financial support from MiracleFeet.
Sumit Banik, Field Coordinator for United Purpose, served as the lead facilitator, while Ponseti practitioner and physiotherapist, Md. Saifuddin Zulfiqar provided technical expertise during the session.
18 parents (12 Female and 6 Male) of nine children currently undergoing treatment shared their personal journeys. The discussion highlighted a sobering reality: without timely and proper intervention, many children face permanent disability, a challenge not just for the individual family but for society at large.
Addressing the parents, Sumit Banik said, “Being able to walk normally is a child’s fundamental right. In the journey to correct clubfoot, parents are the most vital catalysts. If you maintain patience, attend regular follow-ups, and ensure the consistent use of corrective braces, these children will grow up to be assets to the nation. Abandoning treatment due to superstition or social shame is equivalent to pushing a child’s future into darkness.”
Md. Saifuddin Zulfiqar detailed the technical aspects of the Ponseti Method, warning that failing to follow up after the casting phase significantly increases the risk of a relapse. A dedicated Q&A session was also held to debunk common myths surrounding the condition.
Advocate Jahangir Alam Nantu, Advisor to the Alabox Specialised Physiotherapy Treatment Centre, thanked MiracleFeet and United Purpose for their support. “While we hope every child here recovers fully, success depends on the parents’ sense of responsibility. You must also use your experience to act as ambassadors in your communities to root out deep-seated superstitions,” he urged.
The atmosphere turned emotional as parents opened up about their struggles. Many noted that financial constraints and a lack of support from extended family make the long-term treatment process difficult. Negative comments and societal judgment often lead to mental exhaustion and despair for the caregivers.
Mothers in attendance pointed out that keeping a child in corrective braces (special shoes) after the casting phase is a major challenge. When a child cries or resists the braces, relatives often discourage the parents from continuing. Despite these hurdles, the parents expressed a firm resolve to follow the medical protocol to ensure a healthy future for their children, while calling for a more empathetic outlook from society.
The meeting concluded with a briefing on United Purpose’s ongoing support services. The ‘Walk For Life’ project has long been active across Bangladesh, working to eradicate clubfoot through affordable modern treatment and widespread awareness.
