In the vibrant tapestry of life, there are stories that transcend borders, stories that weave together the threads of different cultures, and stories that unfold in the most unexpected corners of the world.
One such extraordinary tale unfolded in Khulna, where an Australian artist, Malcolm Keith Arnold, wanted to explore his cricketing passion but found an even deeper connection that defied cultural norms and economic barriers.
In 2001, Malcolm arrived in Bangladesh with a mission - to write a book about the country's cricketing passion. Little did he know, a far deeper connection awaited him in the form of Halima Begum, a woman he met in Mongla, Bagerhat.
Their initial encounter blossomed into a profound bond, defying cultural and economic barriers.
In 2003, he married Halima, a disadvantaged woman who had been abandoned by her previous husband. Subsequently, Arnold sold his house in Australia and permanently settled in Bangladesh with his new wife in 2004.
Sadly, Malcolm Arnold's 20-year-long family life came to an end with his passing on January 24. The Australian’s final resting place is the Bashupara graveyard in Khulna, Bangladesh.
How they met
With an invitation from Dhaka-9 MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury, a veteran Awami League politician and the then chief of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Malcolm came to Bangladesh for the first time in 2001 as a part of eight-member delegation on an official visit to the Sundarbans area to work on a book.
At that time, Halima Begum worked with World Vision, an ecumenical Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization, in Mongla to address the challenges faced by women, particularly following her husband's abandonment. She aimed to secure her daughter's well-being.
While working for the NGO, she had learned how to speak English to a fairly good level, though she could not read or write the language.
When Malcolm met Halima, He found himself deeply engaged in conversations with her, delving into various topics. Although they parted ways afterward, a meaningful exchange of letters continued between them.
In sickness and in health
After a few years, Halima's health struggles, specifically issues with her uterus, became apparent.
Halima sought medical assistance from a doctor at Dhaka's Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hospital (BSMMU), who recommended an operation.
Unfortunately, financial constraints hindered Halima from pursuing the necessary treatment. In a heartfelt letter to Malcolm, she expressed her predicament.
Malcolm and his first wife had divorced 14 years earlier and his two daughters, Natasha and Netty, lived with him in Australia.
In response to Halima's plea, Malcolm, with the support of his friends, raised $2,000, made arrangements for his two daughters and then came to Bangladesh to ensure medical treatment for his dear friend.
It was then, while Halima was undergoing treatment, that their friendship blossomed and turned into love. There was little hope of Halima recovering. But this elderly foreign artist friend stayed firmly by her side, telling her to keep faith, that all would be well.
Following her recovery, Malcolm proposed to Halima before returning to Australia. Halima said that she would agree to marriage only if Malcolm accepted Islam and committed to residing in Bangladesh.
Subsequently, Malcolm returned to Australia, liquidating all his assets. After severing all ties with his motherland, he came back to Bangladesh and formalized his union with Halima on February 8, 2004.
At that time, Malcolm was 56 and Halima was 33. From that point onward, he has lived in Bangladesh, contributing to the community.
Since marriage, the couple lived in a small rented house at Sonadanga village of Khulna town.
After marrying Halima, Malcolm used to look after her daughter from the first marriage. He lived with his step-daughter, Fatima, and her husband under the same roof till his demise.
He never became a citizen of Bangladesh and renewed his visa every year to be with his love.
Malcolm and his paintings
Following their marriage, Malcolm ventured to earn through the only way he knew how – painting.
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Malcolm started as a professional artist in 1976 and has been specialising in wildlife since 1980.
Long ago, while Malcolm was visiting, New Zealand shared his favourite quote: “an artist is one who sees beauty where no one else even looks”.
Throughout his life he believed that his witnessing of poverty had led him to the conviction that his art can be a tool to help others, but he and his wife were in a distressing situation at the last stage of his life.
With the assistance from friends, Malcolm participated in an exhibition at the Drik Gallery in Dhaka in June 2019.
His exhibition featured 38 vibrant paintings and sketches capturing the wildlife, rural beauty, and people of Bangladesh.
During his stay in Bangladesh, Malcolm employed acrylic, watercolour, and pencil to vividly portray the country's diverse landscapes. The exhibition served as a heartfelt tribute to Bangladesh's colourful nature and vibrant culture, showcasing Malcolm's deep connection with the country.
Financial and health struggles
Their life together was not without challenges. Health issues and financial struggles became their shared adversaries.
Malcolm did not make much money from his arts throughout his stay. He was far more concerned with living a happy and peaceful life with his beloved, Halima, and his passion, painting.
His dedication to Bangladesh extended beyond family; he actively engaged with the community and sought to help those in need.
Local Ward Councillor Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, who knew Malcolm for the entirety of his life in Bangladesh, praised the Australian artist for his friendly and loving personality.
He said: “Malcolm liked to paint and spend time with his wife in solitude. I never heard any complaints against him from his neighbours in 20 years.”
Malcolm had been bedridden due to a stroke since 2019. As the news about his health spread, help came in from various quarters. In 2022, assistance of Tk90,000 was given from the Khulna district administration.
Malcolm's older brother, Graeme Arnold, paid a monthly allowance for the house rent of Tk7,000 and Malcolm's medical expenses.
Halima had urged Malcolm to return to Australia due to their financial struggles during this time. However, Malcolm insisted on staying with Halima till his last breath in Bangladesh.
Eternal slumber in Bangladesh
Even in his final wishes, Bangladesh remained Malcolm’s chosen home. He expressed his desire to be buried in the country, a desire granted by his family and the Bangladeshi authorities.
After a prolonged battle with illness, Malcolm breathed his last at his Sonadanga residence around 6pm on January 24.
Halima Begum recounted his last moments.
"After dinner and taking his medicines on Tuesday night, Malcolm fell asleep. The next morning, he struggled to breathe and asked for his mouth spray. And then he passed away after a while. Despite that, we rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where the duty doctor confirmed his death officially."
She continued: "The doctors attributed his death to a stroke, exacerbated by heart disease and diabetes. Malcolm was a kind soul. He had converted to Islam for me. Despite having family in Australia, he chose to stay in Bangladesh, expressing a wish to be buried here."
Halima shared how they coordinated with his Australian family and authorities, ensuring Malcolm's final wishes were respected: "His Australian family agreed to his burial in Bangladesh. After notifying the police and obtaining necessary permissions, we plan to bury him at the Bashupara graveyard."
Malcolm Arnold's life and death offer a unique perspective on migration, love, and resilience. He was not just an Australian in Bangladesh; he became a part of the fabric of the nation, leaving behind a legacy of intercultural understanding and unwavering love.
As Halima mourns her husband, her voice carries a note of quiet pride. The love story that started with a chance encounter in Mongla culminated in a life lived and a soul laid to rest on Bangladeshi soil - a testament to the transformative power of human connection across borders and cultures.
