Magura woman finally receives govt allowance at 90

A 90-year-old physically challenged senior citizen, Maju Bibi, hailing from Magura finally got government allowances after trying in vain for 40 years.

Although she has been eligible to receive the elderly allowance, widow and disability allowance as per the announcement and policy of the government, Maju Bibi did not get an allowance card even after trying for 40 years. Her husband Jaber Molla died 50 years ago.

Finally, Maju Bibi, a resident of Shir Village in Digha Union of Mohammadpur upazila of Magura, got a widow allowance card using which she withdrew Tk. 6,000 in September 2020.

Since the death of her husband, Maju Bibi had been working as a maid in households until her physical condition deteriorated due to old age.

She had been dependent on her son Didar Molla who works as a low income day labourer.

Didar’s wife Tahmina, 40, said that many people had tried to get Maju Bibi her allowance card but asked for money in return. 

“We did not get any government benefits as we could not pay,” Tahmina added.

One of the locals, Akahid Hossain, brought the matter to the notice of Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mizanur Rahman and Social Service Officer Zainur Rahman who then immediately arranged Maju Bibi’s allowance.

Mohammadpur UNO Mizanur Rahman said: “Officers and staff of all departments have worked day and night to provide the rightful dues of the poor people of the upazila. If anyone is left out, they will be given the benefits after proper verification and selection upon contacting me directly.”