Alive and Kicking

Centenarian Amina Khatun remembers cowry shells being used as currency during colonial times. She also recalls a time when a maund of rice could be bought for Tk 2.50 and a milch cow cost Tk 10. Khatun, who is still very active and articulate, cannot recall her exact date of birth. But she remembers so many historical events, and with the help of her personal memories, one can make an educated guess about her present age. She was married in her early teens and had six sons and five daughters. Her eldest son died 21 years ago at the age of 80, which would make her around 112-115 years old.

“I have seen cowry money during British rule when I was a child. I remember using silver coins. I bought one maund (about 40 kg) of rice for two-and-a-half taka. I also got a large dairy cow 10 taka,” Khatun told The Weekend Independent in an interview recently at her Koshaitoli residence in Old Dhaka.

Amina Khatun has a remarkable family heritage. Her grandfather, Safat Ullah Molla, was a philanthropist. He built a mosque on his own property at Fakirapool in Dhaka and inspired others do charity work. One of the most memorable events of her life was receiving a wedding gift from the Raja of Bhawal.  

“My father-in-law, Hazi Mir Shaheb, presented us four beds at the time of our marriage which were gifted by the Bhawal Raja. Our wedding ceremony was a grand affair and a number of people were invited to the event. As my husband was a popular rawhide trader in the Posta area, a huge feast was arranged,” she recalled.

Her third son, Nabir Hossain, 76, owns a small shoe factory in Koshaitoli. About his mother, Hossain said: “I am used to seeing my mother as a strong woman from my childhood days. I never saw her falling ill with any serious ailment. After the death of my father in 1964 at the age of 70, she took care of us on her own. We are a big family, and she did her duty accordingly. Even now, she can take care of herself; she only needs some assistance to walk. My mother is still self-reliant. She has her own income from house rents. As I am unmarried, I live with her. I am thankful to Almighty Allah for keeping her physically fit.”

Photos: Writer

(Translated by Bipul K Debnath)

Alive and Kicking

Centenarian Amina Khatun remembers cowry shells being used as currency during colonial times. She also recalls a time when a maund of rice could be bought for Tk 2.50 and a milch cow cost Tk 10. Khatun, who is still very active and articulate, cannot recall her exact date of birth. But she remembers so many historical events, and with the help of her personal memories, one can make an educated guess about her present age. She was married in her early teens and had six sons and five daughters. Her eldest son died 21 years ago at the age of 80, which would make her around 112-115 years old. I have seen cowry money during British rule when I was a child. I remember using silver coins. I bought one maund (about 40 kg) of rice for two-and-a-half taka. I also got a large dairy cow 10 taka, Khatun told The Weekend Independent in an interview recently at her Koshaitoli residence in Old Dhaka. Amina Khatun has a remarkable family heritage. Her grandfather, Safat Ullah Molla, was a philanthropist. He built a mosque on his own property at Fakirapool in Dhaka and inspired others do charity work. One of the most memorable events of her life was receiving a wedding gift from the Raja of Bhawal. My father-in-law, Hazi Mir Shaheb, presented us four beds at the time of our marriage which were gifted by the Bhawal Raja. Our wedding ceremony was a grand affair and a number of people were invited to the event. As my husband was a popular rawhide trader in the Posta area, a huge feast was arranged, she recalled. Her third son, Nabir Hossain, 76, owns a small shoe factory in Koshaitoli. About his mother, Hossain said: I am used to seeing my mother as a strong woman from my childhood days. I never saw her falling ill with any serious ailment. After the death of my father in 1964 at the age of 70, she took care of us on her own. We are a big family, and she did her duty accordingly. Even now, she can take care of herself; she only needs some assistance to walk. My mother is still self-reliant. She has her own income from house rents. As I am unmarried, I live with her. I am thankful to Almighty Allah for keeping her physically fit. Photos: Writer (Translated by Bipul K Debnath)