Widows find livelihood in drying hard papers

Eight widows in Bogra town have been earning their livelihood by drying hard papers (stiffened paper) for a long time.

They are Ayesha Bewa, 65, of Baghopara village, Shahinur Bewa, 56, and Monowara Bewa, 60, of Arulia village, Nurjahan, 50, of Choto Kumira, Parboti Rani, 45, and Beauty Bewa, 45, of Nishindhara area in Sadar upazila, Bilkis Banu, 60, and Josna Khatun, 61, of Bihar village under Shibganj upazila.

The widows said they started drying hard papers under paper trader Haji Awal Mia of Nishindhara area after losing their husbands. They are paid Tk 100 each per day.

The widows said they have none to care them after their husbands' deaths and have to fight for their existence as their sons do not care for them and their daughters are married.

Ayesha Bewa said she has been managing her life, thanks to the sincerity and sympathy of her employer.

Shadhon Kumar, manager of the paper house, said they supply the hard papers to shops for making cartons and packets for packing different goods and food items, and for binding books.

Awal Hossain said he has been making hard paper for a long time. It is a really easy task and he employs the widows so they can earn their livelihood, adding that he tries his best to support them during sickness or hardship.