Destitute Opejan Begum has received a new home at age 60, thanks to the humanitarian support of villagers in Naldanga, Natore.
Having lost her husband, she had long been living a miserable life in a dilapidated house with her only daughter, who has a disability. Because of hardship and want, mother and daughter often had to go without food.
Opejan Begum lives in Krishnapurdigha village, Ward 3, Mominpur, in Bipraboilghoria union No. 5, Naldanga upazila. Age has reduced her ability to work. With no home of her own, she had long been getting by amid various hardships.
Shafiqul Islam Bulbul, former organizational secretary of Naldanga upazila BNP, said: “When we learned of Opejan’s plight, we took the initiative, together with local villagers, to build her a new home. The house was built with support from me and local residents. She has also been given food supplies. In addition, a disability card has been arranged for Opejan’s only daughter, who has a disability, and an old-age allowance card for Opejan Begum herself. If well-off and capable people in society stand by helpless people like this, many lives could be changed.”
Ibrahim Khalil, general secretary of Ward 3 BNP, Mominpur, said: “For a long time, Opejan Begum had been living in a dilapidated house with her disabled daughter, without a husband. When this was brought to Shafiqul Islam Bulbul’s attention, he came forward to help build the house and provide food assistance. The house was built with financing from Dr. Md Mozaher Ali.”
Opejan Begum grew emotional on receiving the new home. “I never imagined that at this late stage of my life, I would have a home of my own,” she said. “That dream has come true through the love and support of local leaders and the people of the village. I am grateful to everyone.”
Dr. Md Mozaher Ali, a local resident, said: “It’s everyone’s responsibility to stand by the helpless and poor in society. If everyone comes forward for helpless people like Opejan, the bonds of humanity in society will grow even stronger.”
The villagers’ humanitarian initiative for the destitute Opejan has won praise among local residents.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report