In a heart-wrenching reality, the 3,000 residents of Gomra Guchchagram in Jhenaigati Upazila, Sherpur, have never received Qurbani meat—despite living in the region for over a century. Almost all villagers are landless, living on government khas land, cultivating vegetables in their courtyards, or working as daily laborers to barely survive.
The village includes a cluster settlement established in 2012 for 30 homeless families, with foreign aid. Despite this rehabilitation, no government livelihood support has followed. Today, over 100 men, women, and children reside there, relying entirely on daily wages for survival. If they miss work for even a day, they go hungry.
Widowed Anguri Begum (70), a longtime resident, continues to labor daily despite her age, having received no government support like widow or old-age allowances. Her story is echoed by the entire community.
Locals, including village General Secretary Mr. Ali, said they have never received any sacrificial meat. Last year, upazila officials collected photocopies of some villagers’ ID cards, promising meat distribution—but nothing followed.
Asked about the issue, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ashraful Alam Russell assured he would investigate the matter.
This ongoing neglect raises pressing concerns about rural inclusion in national welfare and aid distribution, especially during major religious observances like Eid-ul-Azha.
