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'Peace is more important in a criminal-ruled union'

Bhalakut UP chairperson Hena Begum thinks improved communication helps solve local problems

Z A M KHAIRUZZAMAN
Bhalakut, a remote union of Nasirnagar upazila (UZ) in Brahmanbaria was a den of criminals even a few years ago. Former chairperson of the union, Dhonu Mia subdued criminal activities with iron hand. At this the criminals were annoyed with him. They were waiting for an opportunity to kill him. Finally they got it and killed him brutally at night on March 15 in 2002.
Dhonu Mia's widow Hena Begum was shocked deeply at the premature demise of her illustrated husband. But she turned grief into strength. She vowed to take revenge of murder of her husband by uprooting criminal activities from the union. She decided to contend the UP election. People in the area stood by her side and she won the election easily scoring a thumping victory. She got double the vote of her nearest rival. Ultimately she emerged as the first UP chairperson in this far-flung union, detached from the district town. Criminals rule the union due to its obsolete communication system.
According to Hena, peaceful living condition is much more important to the inhabitants in Bhalakut union than development. She works relentlessly so that people can sleep peacefully in her union. She became successful to a great extent in her mission. The law and order improved significantly although incidents of petty theft and cow lifting occur. Besides an organised gang of criminals still exists who killed her husband. Although they have no courage to face her openly, yet they named her 'a terror chairman'.
Despite being a woman, Hena possesses all the qualities to become a chairperson, locals think. She earned the leadership qualities from her family. Because her father DelwarAli was also a former chairperson in the union. She followed both her father and husband closely. Local people and administration officials are also cooperative.
Hena identified the undeveloped communication system to be the main hindrance in public service. As all the roads in the union are kutcha, she has aimed at development of the roads. She also wants to extend the area of power supply which stretches along seven square kilometre area only.
The number of educational institutions in the area is 57. Of those 12 are primary schools, one secondary school, two madrassas and 42 educa-
tional institutes run by NGOs.
Nine NGOs are working here. Their main focus is on women's empowerment besides micro credit, education, pisciculture and sanitation system. The NGOs are BRAC, Proshika, Save the Children, Asha, Projukti Pith, NGO Forum, Samaj Unnayan, Gano Kalyan and Bharasa.
Economy of the area is dependent on agriculture. In various seasons paddy, wheat, muster, potato, chilly, pulse and vegetables are cultivated. Foreign remittance also plays a major role in development of the area. About 200 people work abroad including Saudi Arab, Maldives, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, Japan and Pakistan. The amount of foreign remittance stands at Tk 75 lakh.
Hena feels that solution to the problems becomes easier as soon as the communication systemimproves.
However, the UP has constructed four box culverts including seven kilometre kutcha roads.
Income from local source is very small. Monthly salaries of chowkiders (Gram Policemen) can be met with the income. Adequate government allotment is necessary for development of the union.
Hena believes that the economic condition can be improved by empowering the UP so that it can lease out ponds, water bodies and bazaars independently.