JHALAKATHI, April 17, (V7N) — Nirmal Bepari (45), a physically disabled man from Chandpur village in Ponabalia union of Jhalakathi Sadar upazila, is living in dire conditions with his wife and two young daughters in a fragile hut made of polythene and palm leaves.

Nirmal, once a daily wage laborer, became paralyzed after falling from a ladder several years ago. Unable to do heavy work, he now makes bamboo baskets (saji) for farmers, selling them in the local market to earn a meager income. His family — wife, five‑year‑old daughter Madhumita, and nine‑month‑old daughter Nandini — live in a dilapidated shelter beside his elder brother’s tin house.

The hut’s walls are patched with bamboo and polythene, while the roof is covered with palm leaves and broken plastic. Rainwater leaks through holes, soaking bedding and belongings. The unpaved floor turns muddy during showers, making cooking and sleeping extremely difficult. Locals say even a slight storm can blow away the polythene roof, forcing the family to spend nights in fear.

Neighbor Md. Rakibul Islam said: “The part of Nirmal’s house is not fit for living. Rainwater enters easily, causing great trouble for the family.”

Teacher Md. Jahidul Islam noted: “This family is living an inhuman life. If they receive a government housing facility, they can live normally.”

Businessman Jamal Hossain added that Nirmal’s situation is the most deplorable among poor families in the area due to his disability and limited income.

Ponabalia Union Parishad member Khalid Hasan Badal said Nirmal’s house is “completely uninhabitable” and efforts are underway to list him for government housing assistance. Segufta Mehnaz, Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), confirmed the matter is under review and necessary action will be taken after verification.

Locals have urged both the administration and well‑off members of society to ensure permanent housing for Nirmal’s family before the upcoming monsoon season. They stressed that bringing families like his under the social security program could improve their quality of life and rescue them from inhumane living conditions.

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