At 100, Moglu still waits for elderly allowance

Hundred-year-old Moglu Pramanik of Shihipur village in Dikdair union of Sonatola upazila under the district is yet to get the allowance meant for the elderly people.

"I am still waiting to get elderly allowance as local public representatives did not keep their promise given during the vote time," said Moglu who served for decades as a garial, owner and driver of traditional bullock cart.

The noted rural song "Oki gariyal bhai, hakao gari tui chilmarir bondore…" would often come out melodiously from his lips as he did the job, especially during his youthful days. 

Now he has to depend on the mercy of others for survival.

"Many people waited beside the road to hear the charming song from him. Now it is painful to see his condition," said his neighbour Omar Ali, 91.

Moglu Pramanik, who has three sons and a daughter, said, "After the death of my first wife, I married another woman. Now I am staying with my second son Nabab Ali amid hardship."

Alek Uddin, chairman (acting) of Dikdair union parishad, said the members of the respective wards under the union are asked to give list of deserving people for the elderly allowance.

"We have to see how the name of Moglu Pramanik was left out," he said.

Samiul Islam, social welfare officer of Sonatola upazila, said, "I am not aware about the case of Moglu Pramanik. The list of the elderly allowance holders was made according to the proposal of the local representatives. I will see the matter."