Eid joy reaches elderly shelter in Barisal with love and care

As society moves forward at a rapid pace, family bonds that once held generations together continue to weaken. Many elderly people who once dedicated their lives to raising children now face loneliness, neglect and isolation in the final chapters of life. 

For some abandoned, helpless and childless elderly women in Barisal, the "Briddhashram O Boyosko Punorbashon Kallyan Sangstha" in Kaunia Housing area has become a refuge of safety and care.

For the past 11 years, Sakhaowat Hossain has led a relentless effort to support elderly residents at the shelter. Operating from a rented house in the city, he and 17 dedicated staff members currently care for 45 elderly women despite having no major institutional funding or permanent source of income.

To sustain the initiative, Sakhaowat collects donations directly from residents and educational institutions across Barisal city using a donation box carrying the shelter’s logo. Contributions from well-wishers help provide residents with free meals, medical treatment and a safe place to live.

Festive occasions such as Eid often deepen feelings of loneliness among elderly residents separated from families and loved ones. Memories of children and past celebrations return strongly during holidays, leaving many emotionally overwhelmed.

To ease that loneliness and bring Eid joy to the residents, young volunteers from Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Barisal district unit visited the shelter on 23 May with Eid essentials and gifts.

The volunteers brought sugar, vermicelli, milk, spices, rice, cooking oil and betel leaves along with heartfelt companionship. The gesture created emotional moments as elderly residents welcomed the visitors with gratitude and tears of joy.

Naziyur Rahman, president of Bashundhara Shuvosangho Barisal district unit, said Eid symbolises happiness for everyone and the organisation wanted to ensure elderly residents could also celebrate the festival with warmth and dignity.

Organisation adviser and Barisal University Deputy Registrar Bahauddin Golap said society may not erase the pain these elderly women carry, but compassion and human connection can offer comfort and hope.

The shelter continues to face financial challenges. Sakhaowat urged affluent individuals and corporate organisations to extend support through charitable giving, zakat, sadaqah and corporate social responsibility initiatives to ensure long-term shelter and healthcare for elderly residents.

Bashundhara Shuvosangho Women Affairs Secretary Sanzida Nusrat Aduri, Organising Secretary Mir Tanzil, Finance Secretary Abu Sayeed and other members also attended the programme.

The initiative reflected how compassion and social responsibility can bring comfort to isolated lives and reminded communities of the importance of standing beside vulnerable elderly people, especially during celebrations that centre around family and togetherness.