Kurigram, Bangladesh - A group of compassionate remittance fighters and socially conscious local residents have come forward to end the inhumane life of a homeless and destitute elderly woman by ensuring a safe place to live in Rowmari upazila of Kurigram district.

Mosammat Jahanara Begum, a resident of Karai Kandi (Chuliar Char) village under Rowmari Union, had long survived by begging from door to door. Now, after years of hardship, she is finally set to receive a permanent address and a secure shelter.

Jahanara Begum, daughter of late Rahez Uddin and Bader Jan Khatun, has been crushed under extreme poverty throughout her life. She owns no land and had no home of her own. For a long time, she lived under the open sky or on others’ verandas, enduring unimaginable suffering. Forced by hunger, she had to resort to begging for survival. Her misery intensified during the monsoon rains and the bone-chilling winters of northern Bangladesh, when a worn-out piece of plastic or torn clothing was her only protection.

The distressing reality of Jahanara Begum’s life first caught the attention of Abdus Rahim Master, a respected figure from Kortimari area. Deeply moved by her condition, he took the initiative to bring the issue to public attention and immediately contacted prominent expatriate sons of Rowmari, highlighting the urgent need for safe shelter for the elderly woman.

Responding to his call, Saudi Arabia expatriate Roster Suman and Malaysia expatriate Rabiul Islam were the first to come forward. Together, they planned to construct a new house for the helpless woman. Encouraged by their noble initiative, several other expatriate remittance fighters and kind-hearted individuals living in Bangladesh also extended financial support.

This remarkable collaboration between locals and expatriates has demonstrated that with goodwill and collective effort, it is possible to stand beside humanity.

Currently, with joint funding from all contributors, construction of a durable house for Jahanara Begum is progressing at full speed. Construction materials and workers are already on site, and the work is moving swiftly. Very soon, her long chapter of homelessness will come to an end, allowing her to spend her final years in peace and safety.

Speaking about the initiative, Roster Suman and Rabiul Islam said, “Although we work day and night abroad under tough conditions, our hearts always remain connected to our homeland. When we learned about Jahanara Begum through Abdus Rahim Master, we felt it was our moral responsibility to do something for her. We are trying to ensure that she can give up begging and live with dignity under a secure roof. We are grateful to everyone at home and abroad who supported this humanitarian effort.”

Local conscious citizens praised the initiative, stating that if affluent individuals, expatriates, and aware members of society step forward like Abdus Rahim Master instead of waiting for government assistance, no one in society would remain homeless or hungry.

It may be noted that Mosammat Jahanara Begum is a permanent resident of Karai Kandi village under Rowmari upazila of Kurigram district, which falls under Jadur Char Post Office (5640).