Arju Begum (42), a resident of Chawk Shahbazpur village in Phulbari upazila of Dinajpur, has become a symbol of courage and self-reliance by overcoming social stigma and hardship to build a dignified livelihood as a newspaper hawker.
Ignoring social prejudice, Arju Begum began selling newspapers nine years ago. She has become the first woman in Phulbari upazila to enter this profession. Today, she stands not only as a self-sufficient woman but also as an inspiration to many.
Her husband Ashraful Alam Babu went missing seven years ago. He had no involvement with the family. Left alone to raise two daughters, Arju faced extreme uncertainty and financial hardship.
Initially, she worked as a tailor, but the income was insufficient to support her household and meet her daughters’ educational expenses. At this critical stage, following the advice of newspaper agent Monnaf Ali, she chose the challenging profession of newspaper distribution.
The beginning was difficult. As a woman cycling door to door to deliver newspapers, she faced social criticism, ridicule, and humiliation. However, she remained undeterred. Every day before dawn, she wakes up to tend to her cows and goats, completes household chores, and then cycles nearly three kilometers from her village to Phulbari town. After collecting newspapers from the agent, she distributes around 140 to 150 copies across nine wards in urban and rural areas. She usually completes her deliveries by noon and returns home after hours of continuous labour.
At a time when many male hawkers are leaving the profession due to the impact of digital media, Arju Begum has transformed her life through newspaper sales. With her earnings, she educated both daughters up to the honours level, arranged their marriages with dignity, and built a permanent house. She currently owns three cows and two goats and earns between Tk 10,000 and Tk 12,000 per month, leading a stable and respectable life.
Neighbour Alamin said, “Her condition was once extremely poor. Today, through her own hard work, she has become self-reliant.”
Newspaper agent Monnaf Ali described her as responsible and punctual, adding that customers willingly pay their bills on time due to the trust she has earned.
Upazila Women Affairs Officer Rita Mondol said, “Women can succeed in any profession. Arju Begum’s initiative will have a positive impact on society.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ahmed Hassan congratulated her, stating, “Work brings dignity. Arju Begum is a unique example for our society.”
Inspired by her determination, women in Chawk Shahbazpur village have begun to follow her example, citing Arju Begum as a model of resilience and success.