Elderly man gets food supply in Saidpur

Bashundhara Shuvosangho has provided a month’s supply of food and essential items to the family of an 80-year-old ailing man in Saidpur upazila of Nilphamari, who has become unable to work due to old age and paralysis.

Members of the Saidpur upazila unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho visited the home of Shahid Uddin at Kashiram Brahmattor village in Kashiram Belpukur union on Wednesday and handed over the food supplies after learning about the family's hardship.

The assistance included rice, cooking oil, flour, sugar, lentils, potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, green chillies, salt, soap, detergent powder and other daily necessities. The supplies are expected to meet the food and basic household needs of Shahid Uddin and his wife for a month.

Those present during the distribution included Bashundhara Shuvosangho Saidpur unit President Md Shafiqul Alam, General Secretary Mahmudul Hasan Khaja, Vice-President Md Harun-or-Rashid (Harun), Organising Secretary Amir Hossain, Joint General Secretary M Masud Parvez, Treasurer Sohel Rana, and adviser Tofazzal Hossain Lutu, also the Saidpur upazila correspondent of the daily Kaler Kantho.

Shahid Uddin once supported his family through his work as a traditional palm tree climber. He used to clean coconut trees in different areas and collect tender coconuts from tree owners to sell in Saidpur town. His modest earnings were the family's only means of livelihood.

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However, advancing age and paralysis have now left him unable to move around or work. His family has also suffered a major tragedy: he lost his only son in a road accident in 2016. His seven daughters are married, leaving him and his wife without anyone able to take responsibility for their daily needs.

Due to illness and financial hardship, the elderly couple often have to depend on others to arrange their meals. They are now struggling to meet even their basic needs.

Despite his present condition, Shahid Uddin was once known in his village for his selfless service to others. Whenever someone in the area died, he would voluntarily dig the grave without accepting any payment.

Local resident Azizur Rahman said Shahid Uddin had dug graves for more than 300 people during his working years.

The man who spent much of his life helping others in their times of grief is now himself depending on the kindness and support of others.