In the bustling, chaotic capital of Dhaka, nestled in Sector 13 of Uttara, lies the ‘Apon Bhubon’ old people’s home. This home has provided refuge to 29 mothers who were found abandoned on the streets. Managed by dedicated volunteers, Apon Bhubon ensures these women have a roof over their heads, food, medical care, and all necessary amenities. Typically, an old age home is considered a sanctuary for the elderly, but Apon Bhubon and another home called ‘Apon Nibash’ in Uttarkhan are redefining this by offering a home to mothers with no identification or family members.
At Apon Bhubon, this reporter met Johora, affectionately known as “Johora Ma”. Though she can’t recall everything about her past, she appears quite comfortable and at ease. She enjoys occasional outings, and someone from the home ensures that she is well taken care of, as if she were their own mother. Johora Ma’s vibrant and cheerful demeanor is infectious. Zara Zaman, the coordinator at Apon Bhubon, mentioned that a volunteer from Jurain brought Johora Ma to the home two and a half years ago.
Then there is Hazera, close to 90 years old, who has lost everything, including her memory. Initially frightened by strangers, she quickly warms up and speaks from her heart, often hugging visitors. Zara recounts that two years ago, local residents from Mirpur brought Hazera to Apon Bhubon.
Another resident, Nurjahan, has been at Apon Bhubon for two years. She shared her story with UNB: “I had a son who went missing. My husband is no more. The landlord found out about this place and brought me here. I am very well taken care of here. Whenever I want something to eat, I just need to ask, and it’s provided immediately. I am unwell, and I receive milk, eggs, soup—whatever I want to eat. Everyone here is very kind and loves us dearly. They look after what we eat, what we wear. I have no one else; these people are my everything.”
When asked about medical care, Nurjahan said, “There is always a doctor here. Two nurses are also present. If something serious happens, we are taken to the hospital.”
Dr. Fatema Ferdousi, the appointed doctor at Apon Bhubon, explained to UNB, “I’m a general practitioner at Radium Diagnostic Center from 5 pm to 8 pm. After that, I dedicate my time to these mothers at Apon Bhubon.”
Rumi Rahman, general secretary of Apon Bhubon, shared the story behind the establishment of this home with UNB. “Apon Bhubon began its journey three years ago. This old age home runs entirely on charity, but is different from others. This home is for those who have no one. In other old age homes, parents are taken care of on a monthly fee basis if they have identifiable family members. We only bring in and take care of those who truly have no one.”
Rumi shared the poignant story of how it all started with a woman named Azgari. “I found her eating food from a dumpster. That broke my heart. She had no one to offer her even a morsel of rice. I asked her why she was eating from the dumpster, and she replied that she had no choice. I then asked if she would come with me, and she immediately agreed.”
That experience motivated Rumi to think, “There must be a place for such mothers, where they can have shelter, food, and medical care. I found this house in Uttara, and after starting with Azgari Ma, gradually other organizations learned about us and started bringing in more mothers from the streets or in need of care. Currently, we have 29 mothers here.”
Read: Coronavirus: Old homes can be next ‘hotspots’
Providing medical care is crucial. Rumi explained, “Sudden illnesses are common at this age. So, we hired a full-time doctor and made agreements with two hospitals—Dhaka Specialized and Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital. If the mothers fall seriously ill, we admit them there. We also have two appointed nurses and volunteers.”
Whenever they find a mother on the streets, they inform the police. If a mother passes away, they obtain a death certificate through a doctor and then coordinate with Anjuman Mufidul Islam (an organization that carries out unclaimed burials) for the funeral. They also try to trace family members and return the mothers to their families if possible. Some mothers have daughters but no sons, and if the daughter’s in-laws cannot accommodate them, they are kept at the home.
Apon Nibash in Uttarkhan operates similarly, providing shelter to homeless elderly mothers and pregnant women with mental health issues. Children born here are raised in the home, often never knowing their fathers.