By Md. Asadul Islam, from Satkhira
Fatema Khatun (45), born into an extremely poor family in Chakbaushuli village of Assasuni upazila of Satkhira district grew to become one of the most determined and inspiring members of BARCIK’s PORIBESH Project. The sudden death of her husband, Atiar Rahman, twenty years ago pushed her into severe financial hardship. With only her young daughter and her elderly mother with disabilities, Fatema carried her entire world on her own shoulders.
A New Beginning Through the PORIBESH Project
In 2021, supported by NETZ–Partnership for Development and Justice, Fatema joined the Chakbaushuli CSO under the BARCIK–PORIBESH Project. As a climate-affected, marginalized member, she received a small income-generating package: rice worth BDT 11,000, 12 poultry birds worth BDT 2,400, and two fruit saplings cost 100 BDT.When her rice business brought little profit, Fatema quickly adapted. She began trading seasonal local fruits—green coconut, sapota, blackberry, banana, and others—collecting them from nearby villages and selling them herself in the Assasuni market. This modest enterprise became her lifeline, helping her care for her dependent mother and sustain her household.In a coastal region where safe water is scarce, she also received a rainwater harvesting tank worth BDT 22,000, contributing BDT 2,200 from her own hard-earned income—reflecting her commitment to building a better life.
A Model of Responsibility and Savings
Fatema remained an active and disciplined CSO member. She saved regularly, depositing BDT 4,992 in her savings book. She also repaid her contributions for both her IGA support and the rainwater harvesting system on time—earning respect for her honesty, diligence, and sense of responsibility.
Emotional Struggles and a Silent Battle
After marrying off her only daughter, Fatema lived alone with her elderly mother. But when her mother passed away just six weeks ago, her emotional strength crumbled. Loneliness weighed heavily on her fragile heart. On the morning of 7 December 2025, while preparing breakfast before setting out to collect fruits from nearby villages, she suffered a sudden stroke. Neighbours rushed her to Satkhira Medical College Hospital. Despite all efforts, Fatema passed away around 3:00 a.m. on 8 December.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Fatema’s life stands as a shining example of how a woman in one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable coastal areas can rise above adversity. With a small support package, unwavering determination, and tireless hard work, she tried to rebuild her life with dignity. Her passing is a profound loss—not only for her family, but also for the PORIBESH Project, local women entrepreneurs, and the entire CSO community. The BARCIK family pays deep respect to her memory. We believe her resilience, courage, and quiet strength will continue inspiring many marginalized women across the coastal belt.
