TDS Desk:

Japanese mother Nakano Eriko has to bring her eldest daughter to Bangladesh twice a year and spend at least five days in the country. The child’s father, Imran Sharif, has to bear the cost of the trip and the food and boarding during their stay.

Eriko has to give Jasmine Malika, her eldest daughter, the opportunity to meet with her father on every day she is in Bangladesh, while Laila Lina, the daughter staying with her father in Bangladesh, must be given the chance to see her mother every day too.

The three sisters – the eldest and youngest of whom are living in Japan, and the middle child, who is living in Bangladesh, must also be given the chance to speak on a video call once a week.

A seven-member Appellate Bench led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan made the decision on Thursday after both sides filed leave to appeal petitions over the High Court’s verdict on the custody of the children.

Imran’s contempt of court claim against Eriko was also declared null and void.

Lawyer Azmalul Hossain KC and Shishir Manir represented Nakano at the hearing while lawyer Akhtar Imam represented Imran, accompanied by lawyer Rashna Imam.

After the hearing, Manir said:

“The court gave permission for both sides to challenge the High Court’s verdict. Now we will appeal. The contempt of court allegation against Eriko was also declared null and void.”