People and Culture
Beggar’s Hidden Fortune: Two Sacks of Cash Found in Sirajganj Home
Locals in Sirajganj were left stunned after discovering two sacks full of cash in the home of a local beggar known as Saleha Pagli. The incident took place on Thursday (9 October) in the Mashumpur area of Sirajganj municipality.
Around six to seven residents spent nearly five hours counting the money, which totaled Tk 126,253 in various denominations ranging from Tk 1 to Tk 500. Some of the notes were found damaged due to age and poor storage conditions.
Police later arrived at the scene, and under their supervision, the money was handed over to Saleha’s only daughter, Swapna Khatun.
Saleha, wife of the late Abdus Salam, had lived alone for years in an abandoned workers’ quarters near Raypur Mill Gate. Locals said she had been begging for over 20 years and was mentally unstable, often seen collecting and hoarding coins and small notes.
Ward BNP President Md Hasu said he found the sacks filled with old currency wrapped in pieces of cloth. “We recovered the sacks in front of local elders and later brought them to Saleha, who confirmed the money was hers,” he said.
Ward Jubo Dal leader Rasel Sheikh added, “We spent five hours counting the money. It was dirty, decayed, and smelled terrible.”
Sub-Inspector Patin Kumar Bonik of Sirajganj Sadar Police Station confirmed the recovery and transfer of the money, saying, “The total amount was Tk 126,253. We later handed it over to her daughter in the presence of local community leaders.”
The unusual discovery has sparked widespread discussion in the area, as residents express surprise at how a mentally challenged woman managed to save such a large amount of money through years of begging.
Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist , along with other detainees, has been released by . A Turkish Airlines flight carrying Alam has already departed for , according to a statement issued by the on Friday (October 10).
The statement added that the flight is expected to land in Istanbul at around 2:30 p.m. local time.
Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, , welcomed Shahidul Alam upon his arrival at the airport.
Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude to Turkish President for his support in securing Alam’s release and repatriation from Israel.
People from all walks of life paid tribute to world-renowned artist S M Sultan on his 31st death anniversary on Friday (10 October) in Narail.
The commemoration took place at the Sultan Complex, where floral wreaths were placed at the artist’s grave by the S M Sultan Foundation, Narail District Administration, Sultan Memorial Museum, District Shilpakala Academy, and Narail Press Club, among others.
Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan, Superintendent of Police Md Rabiul Islam, and other government representatives joined cultural leaders and local residents in honoring the late artist.
Earlier in the morning, a Qur’an recitation was held at Sultan’s residence, followed by a children’s art competition, an exhibition, prize-giving ceremony, and discussion session at Shishuswargo, an art center established in his memory.
Born on 10 August 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, Sultan’s paintings were exhibited in Shimla, Lahore, Karachi, New York, Boston, Michigan, London, Dhaka, and Germany.
Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including the Ekushey Padak (1982), Independence Award (1993), Resident Artist recognition (1984), and Bangladesh Fine Arts Honor (1986).
The celebrated artist, known for his secular humanist ideals, passed away on 10 October 1994 at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest in the courtyard of his home in Narail.
People and Culture
Bangladeshi Teen Sudipta Debnath Nominated for International Children’s Peace Prize 2025
Fifteen-year-old social activist Sudipta Debnath from Satkhira, Bangladesh, has been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2025. The nomination comes in recognition of his work on child protection, climate justice, and educational empowerment.
The prize is awarded annually by the KidsRights Foundation, a Netherlands-based organization that honors children worldwide who advocate for child rights.
For the past three years, Sudipta has been working in Bangladesh’s coastal regions to combat child marriage, child labor, and school dropout. His awareness campaigns—both online and offline—have helped prevent multiple child marriages and encouraged many families to prioritize education.
Through webinars, social media campaigns, and community workshops, Sudipta has reached thousands with messages about child safety, digital security, and the right to education.
A recent graduate of Satkhira Government High School, Sudipta is now studying in grade 11 at Satkhira Government College. He is the son of Jamini Kumar Debnath and Sejuti Debnath of Masterpara, Satkhira town.
Expressing his feelings, Sudipta said, “I’m truly honored to be nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Working for children inspires me, and I wish to expand my efforts even further in the future.
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