BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stood by 130-year-old Tofer Ali Manda in Naogaon. Photo: BSS Photo: BSS

NAOGAON, Aug 31, 2025 (BSS) – BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has stood by 130-year-old Tofer Ali Mandal who has been living an inhuman life in a dilapidated hut in Laxmirampur village of Bhaline union under Manda upzila in Naogaon. 

At his directive, Manda Upazila BNP President and central BNP member Abdul Matin went to Tofer Ali's house and took responsibility for the expenses of a brick house, three meals a day and medical treatment.

Recently, the story of 130-year-old Tofer Ali Mandal was reported in media which drew attention of Tarique Rahman and then he decided to stand by Tofer Ali. 

The old man, a father of 11 children, is currently living in a shaky house made of rusty tin fences and a canopy built on government land next to the road.

At the end of his long life, Tofer Ali Mandal was passing his days in such misery. He has not received any help from the government or private sector.

BNP leader Abdul Matin,  yesterday (Saturday afternoon)  went to Laxmirampur village and witnessed the life of Tofer Ali Mandal. 

After that, he took the initiative to build a pucca house for the old man. Today, around 11 am, he officially inaugurated the construction work of the house.

Not only building the house, he also promised to bear the food, medical treatment and all expenses of the old Tofer Ali Mandal.

Tofer Ali Mandal said that due to the need for livelihood, 7 of his 8 sons live separately in different areas. And 3 daughters live in their husband's house. His wife died long ago. There is no one around to take care of him. At one time, the younger son was in Ainal Haque's house, but he had to lose that shelter as he did not get along with his daughter-in-law. Now he is spending his days alone in a dark house on the side of the road.

He further said, "Every day I go to a hotel in the nearby Bandubi Bazar in a van to have a meal. This is how life goes on, and I am counting the days until I die. Suddenly, BNP leader Abdul Matin came to my house. Seeing my condition, he is providing me with a room, arranging food, and even said that he will get me treated." 

He prayed to Allah for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Upazila BNP President Abdul Matin.