By Md Mujibar Rahman

SHARIATPUR, June 3, 2026 (BSS) - For more than a quarter of a century, Taslima Begum has rowed a small boat across a branch of the Meghna River, carrying passengers and products between riverbanks. At the age of 78, she still grips the oar every day, braving scorching heat, storms and rain to earn a living.

What began as a desperate struggle for survival after her husband's death has become a remarkable story of resilience, sacrifice and determination.

‘A widow’s fight against the odds’

26 years ago, Taslima's life changed forever when her husband, Nasir Sardar, died, leaving her alone with four children. The family lived at Hajipara village under Gosairhat Upazila, a remote riverine area of the district where agriculture and fishing are the primary sources of income.

Her husband had earned a living ferrying people across a branch of the Meghna. After his death, Taslima found herself with no means to feed her children. Faced with an uncertain future, she made a difficult decision, she took over her late husband's boat and became a ferry operator herself.

At a time when female boat operators were virtually unheard in the area, Taslima stepped into a profession dominated by men.

‘Life on the river’

In 2001, a ferry terminal (Kheya Ghat) was established at Hajipara by the local union council.

Taslima began transporting villagers, travelers and agricultural products across the river.

The income was meager. Passengers paid small fares, while many villagers compensated her with rice, paddy and seasonal crops. Selling those crops helped her cover household expenses.

Despite the hardships, Taslima persevered. Over the years, she managed to raise her three daughters and one son, eventually arranging their marriages and helping them establish families of their own.

"After our father died, our mother endured tremendous hardship to raise us," said her eldest daughter, Fahima.

"She took an oar in her hands and went to the river to support us. Even today, she continues that struggle day and night."

‘Another blow’

Just as life seemed to be stabilizing, tragedy struck again. Five years ago, Taslima's only son, Ali Akbar, lost a leg in a boat accident and became permanently disabled. The cost of his treatment drained the family's savings and pushed Taslima deeper into poverty. Today, her son runs a small tea stall beside the ‘Kheya Ghat’, earning only enough to survive. Meanwhile, Taslima continues to shoulder the burden of supporting herself.

‘No land, no security’

Despite decades of labor, Taslima owns neither land nor a permanent home.

She lives in a small house built on someone else's property and fears eviction at any time. Her greatest wish is simple: a small piece of land where her family can live and where she can eventually be buried.

"I receive a widow's allowance from the government, but that is all," she said. "My dream was to have a small piece of land for my children and for my own grave. That dream has never come true," she added. 

Her struggles have intensified as her aging ferry boat has become increasingly unsafe and unfit for operation. To build a new boat, she recently borrowed Taka 100,000 from a microfinance organization. 

The monthly installment is taka 10,000 an amount that keeps her awake at night.

"Every time my boat broke down, I took loans to build another one," she said, adding, "I don't know how I will repay this debt. 

I can't continue like this."

‘A community calls for help’

Local residents say Taslima has become a symbol of perseverance in the community.

Osman Dewan, a resident who regularly uses the ferry, said she has served villagers for more than 25 years despite her advancing age.

"She had no alternative but to continue working," he said, adding that "Now she is burdened by age. She deserves rehabilitation and support."

Former union council member Dadan Bhuiya echoed that sentiment. "Taslima has spent 25 years ferrying passengers to earn a living. Because of her age, she is no longer fully capable of working.

 We urge the government to rehabilitate her as quickly as possible."

‘Promises of assistance’

Local authorities acknowledge her difficult circumstances. Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of Kodalpur Union Parishad, said residents often support Taslima with rice and other agricultural products but such assistance is insufficient.

He noted that the lease fee for the ferry terminal where she operates has been waived and said efforts would be made to secure government-owned land for her.

Gosairhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nusrat Ara Khanam said she learned about Taslima's situation through social media and pledged to investigate further.

"After gathering detailed information, we will bring her under appropriate government assistance programmes," she said.

‘A life anchored to the river’

For Taslima Begum, the river has been both a source of hardship and a means of survival. For more than two decades, she has navigated its currents to keep her family afloat, sacrificing comfort, security and personal dreams along the way.

Today, as age and debt weigh heavily upon her, she continues to row boat across the river she has known for most of her life.

‘The river is now my only address and with an oar still in my hands, she carries on,” she added.