Parents may also fear not being fully accepted by their child or worry about the child’s desire to seek their biological family in the future.

To overcome these issues, adoptive parents can focus on building a supportive network, educating those around them about adoption, practising empathetic parenting, and fostering open communication to strengthen their bond and create a loving environment for their child.

What role does the extended family play in supporting the adoption process, and how can parents prepare them?

The initial responses from extended family members can range widely, often influenced by traditional beliefs surrounding family and kinship. To foster a supportive atmosphere, adoptive parents must engage their relatives through open and honest communication. By sharing their motivations for adopting, emphasising the deep love and commitment behind their decision, and addressing any misconceptions, parents can help relatives understand the beauty of the adoption journey.

Creating opportunities for family gatherings and encouraging participation in the child’s life can further strengthen these bonds, transforming any initial hesitations into a chorus of support. In doing so, parents not only help their extended family embrace the child but also create a loving atmosphere that envelops the new family unit, fostering a profound sense of connection and belonging for everyone involved.

How can adoptive parents help their child navigate societal perceptions or potential stigma related to adoption?

By initiating honest conversations about adoption from an early age, parents can empower their child to understand and embrace their unique story, allowing them to articulate their feelings and experiences with confidence.

It is essential for parents to validate their child’s emotions, reassuring them that any questions or concerns they may encounter in society are normal and that they are not alone in this journey. Encouraging the child to connect with supportive communities — such as adoption support groups or friendships with other adopted children — can further reinforce their sense of belonging.

Additionally, parents can model resilience by addressing stigma head-on, sharing positive narratives about adoption, and highlighting the love and commitment that define their family. Through this proactive approach, adoptive parents can equip their child with the tools to face societal challenges, fostering a strong sense of identity and self-worth that transcends societal perceptions.

Adoption is a journey of the heart, but one that demands legal clarity, emotional resilience, and social courage. With thoughtful preparation and the right support, Bangladeshi parents can redefine what it means to build a family — one grounded not in blood, but in boundless love.

The interviewee is an advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and a managing partner at L.A.W — Legal and Arbitration Wizards. She is also a partner at Jural Acuity.

Photo: LS Archive/Shahrear Kbair Heemel