Rajshahi, July 15 (V7N)- There is a saying that hobbies can be very expensive. Sometimes, indulging in a hobby can even become life-threatening. Such is the case with Md. Muktar Hossain (53), a resident of Chakpara area in Chandrima Thana, Rajshahi. By profession, he is a rickshaw driver.
Recently, this impoverished rickshaw driver made headlines by eating glass bulbs. However, doctors are recommending psychiatric treatment, noting the high risk associated with this behavior.
When asked about this, Muktar Hossain said, "Eating glass is my hobby and devotion. About 30 years ago, I learned to eat glass from my spiritual guide, Pir Murshid Waj Bhaiyandari, at Shah Ali's shrine in Mirpur, Dhaka. My Murshid used to eat glass bulbs regularly. After watching him, I wanted to learn it too. After three years of practice, I mastered the art of eating glass bulbs. Since then, I have eaten glass bulbs regularly for 25 years, but I stopped five years ago."
He further explained, "I kept my glass-eating practice a secret. It was my private devotion. But about a year ago, a friend found out and insisted on seeing me eat glass. When I did, he filmed it and posted it on Facebook. That's how people in my area found out. Despite this, I haven't had any health issues from eating glass. I mastered this skill through much practice. It is dangerous, but I do it out of passion and I enjoy it. I typically eat used 60 to 100-watt bulbs. I can't eat thicker glass because it can't be broken with my teeth."
Muktar Hossain also mentioned that he is a devotee of Hazrat Shah Wali Ahmed (RA) from the Bhodra Jamalpur area of Rajshahi city and visits the shrine regularly.
Muktar Hossain's glass-eating has sparked much discussion and criticism in his community. Some criticize it as an attempt to go viral by showing off, while others call for his devotion to be recognized.
Rashaduzzaman Rais, a resident of Bhodra Jamalpur area, said, "This is a very risky act. If he doesn't have health issues from it, then his dedication might be worth acknowledging."
Dr. Shankar K Biswas, in charge of the emergency department at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), said, "Glass bulbs are not food; they are inedible. Eating them is not advisable and is a sign of a mental disorder. Conditions like anemia and autism can lead to such behaviors. He might be accustomed to eating glass over a long period, but it poses serious health risks, including cancer. Therefore, he needs immediate medical treatment."
END/MRA/SMA/
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