Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday took responsibility of treatment of an underprivileged woman from Pabna who became visually impaired more than seven years ago.
Lily Begum, in her 30’s, narrated her heart-rending story to the prime minister during her virtual handing over of homes to the homeless people in Bera Upazila in Pabna district under Chakla Ashrayan Project of Ashrayan-2 on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister was connected with Bera Upazila through video conferencing from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Lily Begum said she suddenly lost her eyesight seven years back and subsequently her husband abandoned her.
“I am living with my eight-year old son. My father had sold out everything for my treatment,” she told the PM in a chocked voice.
She said that she and her family used to live in others’ houses.
“I never imagined we will have our own house ever. You (Sheikh Hasina) gave me my dream pucca home with electricity, water and sanitation system. No one ever gives this to us but for you,”
She praised the prime minister for her initiative to provide land and home to every landless and homeless people of the country.
“Now I am living with my child and parents in the ‘palace’ that you gave and we are very much happy, we do not have any worries now,” she said adding that her son called this house as her mother’s house.
“You have fulfilled the dream of Bangabandhu, you are our pride. May you live hundred years and return repeatedly to us as our prime minister,” she said.
She recalled that while her son was seven months old she became blind and the age of her school-going son is now eight year.
When PM Hasina asked where did she go for treatment of her eyes,
Lily Begum replied that she took the last treatment from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.
“But I could not take further treatment due to Coronavirus pandemic, financial crisis and my orthopedic problem.”
The prime minister suggested, “It would be better to see physician at the National Ophthalmology Institute.”
At this point Deputy Commissioner of Pabna M Asaduzzaman ensured the prime minister that they would take necessary steps to this end.
Surprised Lily Begum thanked the prime minister for taking the responsibility to provide her eye treatment like a mother.
“We will arrange treatment for you…We will try,” the prime minister assured Lily Begum.
