By the narrow streams flowing along the banks of the Rejukhal River, Ruksana Akter casts her net with quiet determination. With her husband bedridden from illness and two children to care for, she refuses to sit idly at home. Instead, she ventures to the riverbanks with her eldest child, hoping to catch native freshwater shrimp.
As the first rays of sunlight glisten on the water every morning, Ruksana steps into the soft, muddy shores. Her hands move skillfully, placing nets in the gentle currents, hoping for a catch to fill her family’s plates. They often catch enough to cook a simple meal, a small victory amidst life’s hardships.
In conversation, Ruksana shares her hopes. If they catch a little extra, she dreams of selling the surplus at the local market — a chance to ease the financial strain, if only a little.
By the quiet waters of Rejukhal, Ruksana’s story unfolds like an unwritten poem of perseverance. A mother’s unwavering strength, the rhythmic flow of the river, and the silent hope of a better tomorrow weave together a portrait of resilience and love.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo:Hussain Shetu
