Wise mother, worthy daughter

Brilliant Sufia with her wise mother at the yard of their house. PHOTO: STAR

Sufia had got telentpool scholarships at primary and junior levels also.

Her poor mother Rokeya Begum says she has nothing but a brilliant daughter. She forgets miseries and hardships when she looks on the face of her brilliant daughter.

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Rokeya narrated her struggle in life when this correspondent visited her house at Kafatia village in Manikganj Sadar on Thursday last.

Daughter of a day labourer, Rokeya was the eldest among four brothers and sisters. She had started her life at 13 as a domestic help at a house in the village.

She was married at the age of 14 with financial help of villagers. With dreams in eyes, Rokeya went to her husband's house. But her dreams were soon shattered. Her husband died after four years, leaving two daughters.

She again started life as a domestic help, at times working in fields to earn extra money.

But the wisdom in her is rare. She realised that her two daughters must be educated for a life better than that of her.

Despite all the sufferings she sent her two daughters to school. At times she remained without food to buy them books, she said.

Her determination and struggle bore fruits.

"The struggle has not ended. I have to struggle more, but there are hopes", she said.

"I am now very happy at the success of my younger daughter Sufia".

But she has qualms as her elder daughter could not continue at school after class eight. She now works with Ayesha Abed Foundation.

But Rokeya and her elder daughter are determined to help Sufia continue her studies. Sufia wants to be a doctor.

Asked about her brilliant result, she said it was due to her determination and hard labour. Her teachers at Kafatia High School helped her a lot. They provided her with free coaching after school.