Children who fail to ensure the maintenance of their parents may face a fine of up to Tk1 lakh or, in default, imprisonment for up to three months under the Parents Maintenance Act, 2013.
The law makes it a legal obligation for every son and daughter to provide maintenance for their parents, including food, clothing, medical care, accommodation and companionship.
It also prohibits children from forcing their parents to live in old-age homes or elsewhere against their wishes, reinforcing legal protection for family bonds.
Under Section 3 of the Act, every child is required to ensure the maintenance of his or her parents. Where there is more than one child, they must share the responsibility through mutual understanding.
Children are also required to regularly inquire about their parents' health and arrange necessary treatment and care. If the parents live separately, the child must provide reasonable financial support from his or her daily or monthly income.
Section 4 extends the obligation to grandparents. In the absence of the father, grandchildren are responsible for maintaining their paternal grandparents, while in the absence of the mother, they must maintain their maternal grandparents. Such maintenance is considered equivalent to the maintenance of parents.
Section 5 states that violating Sections 3 or 4 constitutes an offence punishable by a fine of up to Tk1 lakh or, in default, imprisonment for up to three months.
The same section also provides that any spouse, son, daughter or close relative who obstructs or refuses to cooperate in providing such maintenance will be treated as having abetted the offence and will face the same punishment.
Supreme Court lawyer Khalid Hossain described the law as a landmark step towards protecting family values and the rights of elderly people.
"The Act makes parental maintenance a legal obligation and prohibits children from sending their parents to old-age homes against their will," he said.
Khalid Hossain said the penalty under Section 5 sends a strong legal message to children who neglect their responsibilities, while Section 4 further strengthens family bonds by extending maintenance obligations to grandparents.
He also noted that Section 8 allows disputes to be settled amicably outside the courts. In addition, the Parents Maintenance Rules, 2023 provide for the establishment of a maintenance fund and care centres for elderly people.
"This law is not merely punitive; it is intended to remind children of their responsibilities. Greater awareness of the law will help strengthen family harmony and ensure dignity and proper care for elderly parents," he added.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
