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DHAKA, Jan 2, 2026 (BSS) – Mazeda Khatun, 43, who once contemplated ending her life due to extreme poverty, eventually found meaning in life by becoming self-reliant through vegetable vending.

“Once I didn’t have proper meals. My family had no cash or property. I wanted to commit suicide several times because of extreme poverty, but I couldn’t do so because of my loving kids,” said Mazeda.

“Today, I have enough money to maintain a healthy life. I am happy now,” she said with a smile while talking to BSS.

Mazeda sells vegetables from a van on the road of Mirpur-14, in front of the Dental Hospital in the capital.

Hailing from Manikganj, she said that in 2002 her husband, a day laborer, fell ill with an unknown disease and became unable to work. Since then, she had to face a miserable life with their two young children.

“We had a miserable life in Manikganj. Some relatives helped us with small amounts of cash, but it was never enough. I tried to find work in the village, but jobs were hard to come by,” she said.

“In the meantime, we had no money for our livelihood. One day my husband’s cousin suggested that we should go to Dhaka to earn money. He gave us a loan of Taka 10,000 for this purpose and advised me to find work at a garment factory to support my family,” she added.

After moving to Dhaka in 2003, the family rented a small house in Bhasantek area for Taka 5,000. Mazeda got a job at a garment factory on Mirpur Road with a salary of Taka 9,000, but it was insufficient for the family.

“My husband suggested that I should leave the job and start a business on the street. I did as he advised,” Mazeda said. She bought a van, brought vegetables from Kawranbazar kitchen market, and began selling them in Mirpur. Within a few days, her income doubled.

“My husband felt relief from frustration. We admitted our eldest daughter to a local school. After meeting our monthly expenses, we started saving. By the grace of Allah, we now have Tk 8 lakh in cash and have bought two acres of paddy field in our native village,” she said.

Mazeda’s only dream is for her two daughters to establish themselves one day with their own identity. She works day and night and has admitted one daughter to a private college and another to a private school.

Rashed Ahmed, Mazeda’s husband, standing beside her, said he feels lucky to have found a dedicated and honest woman.

“She has worked hard to establish our family. I cannot work, but my wife has changed my outlook on life. Today, we earn enough and live happily. All credit goes to Mazeda and our daughters, who have always helped her. I am proud of my wife,” he said.