Ismatara of Jhenidah caring for the elderly

Ismatara founder of Jharna and Sarejan rehabilitation centre, standing in front of the old house, inset, members of the rehabilitation centre. PHOTO: STAR

Ismatara president of Jharna Mohila and Shishu Unnayan Shangstha rehabilitated fifteen despised and destitute elderly women of the upazila. Feeling sympathetic for the aged widow women; Ismatara made four thatched rooms on her four decimal lands. It provides the basic necessities to these women; the old house is named Jharna and Sarejan rehabilitation center.
The women are Nimori Begum, Ferdousi Khatun, Uzala Begum, Maharan Nessa, Morium Begum, Jorimonnessa, Amena Khamon, Rabeya Khatun, Adhiron Nessa, Rizia Khatun, Rumia Khatu, Chearon Nessa and Rushia Khatun. Ismatara started her career as a tailor and handy craftsmen, later she became the president Of Jharna Mohila and Shishu Unnayan Shangstha.
She pondered about the tragic condition the elderly women habituate in and built this house in 2013. Being aware of this noble initiative few men of great heart contributed financial to assistance in running this old house. Sadar upazila chairman Kanak Kanti Das gave Tk ten thousand; Akhil Chandra Biswas gave Tk three thousand while Lal Mohammad gave Tk one thousand.
Ismatara Khatun wife of Aynal Hossain of Jorapukhuria village under Harinakundo upazila of the district took this initiative thinking of theses elderly women as her own mother. These elderly women are despised by their family members and pitied by none; as they are burden on their respective families. They wander about for a handful of rice and other necessities. Often they are scolded and driven away as their sons and other members cannot bear their expenses.
Ismatara said she feels for the deplorable condition of theses aged unfortunate women who remain unfed. She now shelters fifteen women, they stay and contribute by doing various works and sells them to the local market. Some are able to do tailoring works.
Nimori Begum said we are happy here; Ismatara has done a tremendous job for us, we now no longer have to work as domestic help nor beg from door to door. She provides us with all basic necessities. We pray for her well-being.
Another physically impaired divorced house wife Ferdousi Khatun said, she works as a tailor here and contributes towards her son's educational expenses. She is happy here. Harinakundo Poura Mayor Shahinur Rahman Rinto said Ismatara is doing a great humanitarian job. We should stand by her side. If such benevolent work is done for the old ones we will all benefit from it.