How does an eighty-year-old woman survive alone in one of the most crowded urban
settlements when her own children turn away from her? In the heart of Dhaka, the
Korail slum elderly struggle represents a stark, unvarnished reality of urban
poverty. Here, old age brings neither rest nor security, but rather a grueling,
day-to-day battle for basic existence.
At Alingan Dhaka, our documentary work aims to look beyond the surface of the
city’s glittering skylines and document the lives of those who live in the
shadows. This is the story of Ayesha Begum and little Sadya-a testament to human
endurance, quiet dignity, and the urgent need for collective humanitarian
responsibility.
Inside the Windowless Room: Ayesha Begum’s Daily Battle
Ayesha Begum is nearly eighty years old. In a phase of life where she should be
surrounded by care and comfort, she finds herself entirely on her own. With her
children unable or unwilling to support her, survival has become a daily
imposition.
Ayesha lives in a cramped, windowless tin-shed room tucked deep inside
Korail—one of Dhaka’s largest informal settlements. It is a space where natural
daylight cannot pierce through the corrugated iron walls. From cooking her own
meals on a rudimentary stove to managing her physical needs despite failing
health, Ayesha does everything independently. Every single day is an exercise in
survival against overwhelming odds.
An Unlikely Bond: Protecting Little Sadya
Ayesha’s story does not end with her own hardship; it carries an even deeper
layer of emotional weight. Living with her is Sadya, a young girl who lost her
mother four years ago. Left without maternal protection or a stable home, Sadya
found a safe haven in Ayesha Begum.
Watch their story:
Despite her advanced age, extreme poverty, and failing strength, Ayesha took
upon herself the responsibility of raising and caring for the orphaned child.
Together, they share a tiny, enclosed space defined by mutual reliance. Yet,
this bond exposes a profound vulnerability. Without financial stability, proper
nutrition, or a secure roof over their heads, their daily existence hangs by a
thread.
The Crushing Weight of Urban Poverty
Life in Korail slum is defined by continuous deprivation. For Ayesha and Sadya,
paying rent and securing decent, nutritious meals are perpetual uncertainties.
The physical toll of the environment combined with extreme economic hardship
makes every single week a crisis.
Yet, amidst this acute poverty, Ayesha continues to nurture Sadya, showcasing an
extraordinary human spirit. But resilience alone cannot pay for rent or
medicine. Stories like this remind us that urban poverty is not just a
statistic—it is a human crisis that demands our attention and empathy.
How You Can Help Ayesha and Sadya
Ayesha and Sadya cannot endure these conditions alone. Humanitarian action
requires community participation. If this story has touched your heart and you
wish to extend a helping hand to support their livelihood and survival, you can
donate directly through our official donation portal:
Donate Here: https://alingan.org/en/donation
Direct Contact & Support Centers:
- Helpline Numbers: 01867267371 / 01955378793
- Email: info@alingan.org
- Alingan Foundation Center Address: House no- 1, Unit- kha169, Korail Bosti
(Beside the Nurani Mosque), Banani, Dhaka-1213
To support our ongoing documentary work and help bring more systemic issues to
light, please subscribe to Alingan Dhaka and share this story to raise
awareness.
