January 27th, 2022

Statement from Begum on upcoming travel

SCARBOROUGH – NDP MPP Doly Begum released the following statement:

“The NDP caucus has taken great care to follow every public health recommendation. That’s why I am being transparent with a very difficult decision my family and I have had to make about traveling.

My husband has cancer, which is slowly spreading through his body. My mother-in-law is battling a grave illness in Bangladesh. Like many families, our family was separated during tragedies over the last two years, including losing my father-in-law and my grandmother in quick intervals. I have placed my responsibilities as an elected representative, and my commitment to follow every public health recommendation, above anything else. However, in light of the recent deterioration in my mother-in-law’s health and the potential restrictions on my husband’s travel in the coming months due to his treatment, my husband and I have decided to travel to Bangladesh for seven days to reunite with my mother-in-law.

While travel is not prohibited, it’s not yet recommended. However, sadly, this trip cannot be delayed. We plan to take every COVID precaution possible, including voluntarily isolating for 10 days when we return.

Many Ontarians have made sacrifices during the pandemic and my heart goes out to everyone who has been separated from family — unable to share happy times or support each other through grief. For anyone that has to make the very difficult decision to travel right now, please stay safe, and follow all public health rules and advice.”