‘I get scared when the clouds call in the sky, what will happen to me if the storm starts! When the clouds call in the sky at night, I sit and cry. Specially at night when no one is around. So give me a place to lay my head, I will pray as long as I live.’
Sumaiya Begum (41), a disabled and helpless woman who took shelter on the balcony of Kaimari Union Parishad in Jaldhaka Upazila of Nilphamari, was saying these words in a tearful voice on Sunday morning.
Sumaiya, the daughter of the late Saidar and Chanu Begum of Patbari area of Ward No. 9 of Kaimari Union, has been living a helpless life since birth. She has no siblings, no husband or family members by her side.
She developed a disability at the age of 13. After her father's death, her mother was her only hope. But a few years ago, that mother also left her. As a result, Sumaiya, who is homeless, is now living on the balcony of the union council.
Sumaiya said, "After my father died, I stayed with my mother. Later, my mother left me. So, unable to find shelter anywhere, I moved here two months ago. I eat whatever people give me—if not, I go on a fast."
A businessman from Kaimari union said, "Sumaiya has been taking shelter on the balcony of the council for almost two months. We, the locals, are helping her as much as we can."
Union council member Alamgir said, "We are trying to ensure that she does not suffer."
Village police chief Azharul Islam said, "I have been arranging for Sumaiya to eat three times a day for two months and keeping an eye on her."
Kaimari Union Parishad Chairman Sadequl Siddique Sadeque said, “A disabled woman is homeless and living on the balcony of the council—it is very sad. She is landless and poor. We are trying to do something for her.”
Jaldhaka Upazila Social Service Officer Kamruzzaman said, “Initiatives are underway to take steps to rehabilitate Sumaiya by talking to UNO and ACLAND.”
This disabled woman, who is at the end of her life, is begging for a little place to lay her head.
Her only request is, “If someone gives her a little place to stay, I will spend the rest of my life praying.”
