Once domestic help, Bangladeshi woman owns 13 cows, sells fresh milk

It began as a dream to become an independent woman for Shamsunnahar Begum who was frustrated with her life as a domestic help.

Squeezing her monthly expenses every day, she managed to gather Tk 41,000 from her wages and bought a cow and a calf. She never had to look back since.

Now, about 10 years later, she owns 13 cows and earns her bread selling fresh cow milk to customers at Rayerbazar Beribandh. Her unique way of selling milk has earned her a reputation within a short span of time.

She introduced the trend of milking cows in front of customers and handing it over to them right on the spot -- an example that has been followed by other local traders.

Every day her cows produce about 50 litres of milk which is sold for Tk 70 per litre.

Customers are very impressed with the service and they say such fresh milk is hard to come by in Dhaka city.

“I take the milk for the children. Such fresh milk is hard to get. They are milking cows right in front of your eyes,” said Humayun Kabir, a resident of Katasur.

These customers come from the neighbouring areas to get farm-fresh milk. Shamsunnahar says she hardly has any left to serve more people at the end of the day.

“I am happy now. I can run my family, bear majority of the expenses and educate my children properly,” she told The Daily Star, smiling shyly.

Now, more traders are getting involved in the business.

Imran Hossain, owner of the biggest dairy firm in the area -- Sadeeq Agro, also follows Shamsunnahar's ways and sells about 1,800 litres of milk every day.

A business graduate from International University of Bangladesh, Imran said it was his hobby at first but now the money is coming along “very nicely”.