Beggar Firoza Begum receives a new home in Mymensingh after decades of hardship in a dilapidated shack. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, July 31, 2026 (BSS) – “I never imagined that at this age I would live in a new house. For so long, I could not sleep whenever it rained. Now it feels like Allah has looked upon me,” said beggar Firoza Begum with tears of joy, expressing her feelings after receiving a new home.

Firoza Begum, aged 65, had long endured hardship in a rusted, dilapidated tin shack where rainwater seeped through the roof. 

Her struggle began after the death of her husband, Suruj Ali, about 35 years ago. Living on just one decimal of land left by her husband in Dashalia village under Nandail municipality of Mymensingh, she survived with her daughter Shamsunnahar, who resorted to begging to feed them both. 

Their fragile shack trembled even in mild winds, leaving them in constant fear and misery.

The turning point came when local volunteer Emdadul Haque informed UpazilaNirbahi Officer (UNO) Fatema Jannat about Firoza’s plight. 

The UNO visited her home and reported the situation to State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury.

Following the minister’s immediate directive and support, the Mymensingh district administration, through the Social Welfare Council, has started constructing a new house for Firoza Begum.

Alongside the housing arrangement, consideration was also given to the struggles of her widowed daughter Shamsunnahar, who has four children. 

UNO Fatema Jannat confirmed that employment has been arranged for Shamsunnahar, enabling her to become self-reliant and bear her family’s responsibilities.

Expressing gratitude, Firoza Begum said, “Those who arranged this house for me, I will pray for them in my five daily prayers. May Allah keep them well.”