88-year-old Saju Sheikh left alone after 70 years of loving marriage
Saju Sheikh lifts his wife, Noorjahan Begum, into his arms. Photo: Agamir Somoy
A marriage spanning nearly 70 years. Saju Sheikh (88) and Nurjahan Begum (85) were each other's companions through joy and sorrow, poverty and life's many struggles. In his old age, Saju Sheikh spent his days caring for his ailing wife. Trying to arrange food and medical treatment for his wife amidst financial hardship had left him helpless. His heartfelt plea, which spread across social media, touched the hearts of countless people. Many stepped forward to help. But in the end, Saju Sheikh had to lose his lifelong partner. Ending a long marital journey, Nurjahan Begum passed away, leaving her longtime companion behind.
On Sunday, around 12:30 PM, Nurjahan Begum breathed her last at her home. She had been bedridden with illness for a long time. She was buried in the family graveyard around 5:00 PM. Today, Monday, local Union Parishad member Ilias Miah confirmed her passing to Agamir Somoy.
Saju Sheikh beside his wife, Noorjahan Begum. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Days Spent Caring for Ailing Wife
According to family sources of Saju Sheikh, Nurjahan broke her hip after a fall nearly six years ago. Since then, she was unable to walk normally. At one point, she became completely bedridden. She required regular medical treatment and care. However, in a household struggling with poverty, arranging her medical care and necessary food proved extremely difficult for Saju Sheikh.
Saju Sheikh himself was bent under the weight of old age. Yet, he never neglected the care of his sick wife. Alongside tending to her, he had to struggle daily to arrange food and medicine. He harbored a deep desire to see his lifelong partner recover. But with limited means, meeting all her needs was impossible.
A Heartrending Plea Spreads on Social Media
Recently, a video of Saju Sheikh spread on social media. In the video, he was seen holding his sick wife while tearfully begging for food. "Oh Allah, give me food, I am in great distress with my wife"—his plea touched people's hearts. The video highlighted the helplessness of an elderly man in a poor household and his deep affection for his ailing wife.
Later, news of their plight was reported and broadcast across various media outlets, including a private television channel and Agamir Somoy. This brought the life struggles of Saju Sheikh and Nurjahan Begum to public attention. Various individuals, social organizations, and administrative officials stepped forward to support them.
Several individuals, including Dr. Sansila Jebrin Priyanka, Member of Parliament for a reserved women's seat, and Deputy Commissioner Farida Yasmin, inquired about their well-being and provided assistance. On behalf of the district administration, a house was built for them, and an auto-rickshaw was also provided.
Children Also Have Limited Means
Saju Sheikh and Nurjahan Begum had three sons and three daughters. According to family members, the financial condition of the children is also not good. Their son Nur Islam earns his livelihood by working as a day laborer and pulling a pushcart. Alongside covering the expenses of his own household, he supported his parents to the best of his ability. However, it was not possible to meet all the family's needs with a limited income.
Despite poverty and various adversities throughout a seven-decade marital journey, Saju Sheikh and Nurjahan Begum stood by each other. During the days of his wife's illness, Saju Sheikh was her primary caregiver and companion. Having lost that person, he is now left alone.
The wife who was the center of his daily routine, for whose care he had expressed his helplessness to everyone, is no longer there. At the twilight of his life, the question of how Saju Sheikh will spend his days with the emptiness of losing his lifelong companion has now come to the fore.
