Zakir Hossain, a 66-year-old freedom fighter, has transformed his home into a thriving farmstead. Memories of the 1971 battlefield still linger, but today, he finds peace and purpose in his picturesque homestead in Ukhiya.
What doesn’t Zakir Hossain have on his property? There’s a betel nut grove, a lush betel leaf plantation, a vegetable garden, and a paddy field that stretches before his house. Alongside, there’s a pond where he cultivates fish. He even rears cattle.
Every morning, he starts his day by tending to the vegetable garden. Then he heads to the paddy fields. Later, he grazes his cattle before caring for his betel leaf plantation in the late afternoon. He dedicates the rest of his day to selling betel nuts from his grove.
Talking to Cox’s Bazar Life, Zakir Hossain said his days are filled with productive work. When he does find some free time, he enjoys it with his grandchildren.
His life revolves around his betel leaf and nut plantations, paddy, vegetables, cattle, and fish—each a source of joy in his self-made oasis.
By Rajin Saleh
