Homes bring new life to homeless in Bogura

Women are chatting in the yard while children play nearby. Some are busy with work. There is no worry on their faces. Having their own house once seemed impossible, but today they are happily living in their own homes. They have found their dream homes.

Recently, such a scene was observed at Kadamtali village in Bogura Sadar upazila. Their lives and livelihoods have changed since receiving a house as a gift from the prime minister. In celebration of Mujib's centenary, they now live in houses provided under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Ashrayan-2 project.

Sultan Rahman, 60, works as a carpenter. Until a couple of years ago, he had no home or land of his own and lived with his wife in a relative's house in Kadmatoli village. Recently, he received a gifted house and moved in. And he has now his own home, he is focused on his work and providing for his family. His family has achieved financial stability.

Sultan said, "After losing my house and land to poverty, I never imagined I would have a home of my own. My life turned around when I received a house as a gift from the prime minister. Overall, my day is going well."

Morjina Begum, 55, of Kadmatoli village is a beneficiary of the Ashrayan-2 scheme. The landless and homeless lady spent her days assisting others, renting a house in the Bandighi area of Sadar. Her husband, Osman, worked as a daily labourer until falling ill six months ago and becoming unable to work. Now, Morjina takes on the responsibility of supporting the family.

Morjina said that she raises goats and poultry at home, which provides additional income for the family. She also earns money by working in others' houses. Her husband's illness has caused a temporary economic crisis, but owning their own house has minimized its impact. They are now in a much better situation. At the end of the day, they are grateful to have a place they can call home.

Not only the lives of Sultan and Morjina, but also thousands of families in this district, have changed through the gift of houses. Families previously without land or homes are now busy organizing their lives in their own residences. Their children are attending school regularly, and their dreams have become a reality. In gratitude, they have expressed their appreciation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the fifth phase of the second stage of the Ashrayan-2 project, which provides virtually free land and houses to homeless families, from her official residence in Ganabhaban on June 11.

Following this event, house keys were handed over to 186 families in Bogura, including 131 in Sadar, 45 in Sherpur, and 10 in Sariakandi upazila. This initiative marks the district's declaration as free from landlessness and homelessness. Prior to this, a total of 5,005 families had already received houses in Bogura.

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "The free houses have instilled confidence and self-esteem in homeless and landless people, remarkably changing their lives."

"Bangladesh, achieved through the sacrifice of countless martyrs, cannot afford to lag behind. We must propel Bangladesh forward. Our goal is to liberate the people from hunger and poverty, ensuring a better quality of life for all. We are committed to realizing this vision through our efforts," Sheikh Hasina added.

At the same time, 26 districts across the country, including Bogura, were declared free from landlessness and homelessness.