A woman auto-rickshaw driver in Basail upazila of Tangail single-handedly runs a family of four with robust efforts both in housekeeping and driving.
When begging was about to become the only reality for Rojina and her differently-abled husband, she turned the tables and brought a battery-run auto-rickshaw after availing a loan from a local NGO.
With two daughters to raise and a visually impaired husband to take care of, Rojina has become an inspiration for men and women who are working tirelessly outside and also wish to contribute to sharing familial responsibilities out of love.
Rojina’s day begins with household chores early in the morning at Aishra village of Basail, and ends with her auto-rickshaw moving around in various areas, including Tangail municipality.
Police sources have said she receives full support from them and can drive anywhere in the city. Although many locals believe that it is not safe for a woman to drive an auto-rickshaw, for which Rojina has to endure criticism, her neighbours and passengers have praised her twin roles in the home and outside.
Rojina’s dream is to get her daughters well educated and raise them, so that they grow up as ‘proper human beings.’ She says: “I learned to drive an auto-rickshaw so that I can support my family. We have to pay our rent, electricity bills and pay back my loan. In one year of my driving I had to endure criticism from a lot of people, but I kept up my driving and after sometime many even inspired me.
“When I asked for government support through the local chairman and union parishad members, none came to my aid, so I became determined to learn to drive an auto-rickshaw.”
Fulki union parishad chairman Babul Hossain said necessary support would be provided to Rojina, as per her need after the matter was discussed with the district administration.
Tangail Superintendent of Police Sanjit Kumar Roy said: “The district police is providing full support to Rojina as she is driving an auto-rickshaw to maintain her family. Auto-rickshaws run on two-shifts in Tangail. She can drive on both the shifts.”
