Family visits grave of assault victim after 25 years

Thirteen relatives traveled from Bogura to Methikanda Railway Station to visit the grave of 80-year-old Wahida Begum, also known as Bobi Begum. They had not seen her for 25 years until her recent death following a brutal assault and robbery.

Wahida, originally from Bogura, had speech disabilities, as did most of her siblings. After her husband and daughter died, she left her parents' home following a disagreement with her younger sister about 25 years ago and never returned. Her family searched for her for years but eventually gave up hope. They recently identified her through photos circulating on social media after reports of her death.

"So many people have accused us of coming here for money," said Soikat Islam, husband of Wahida’s younger sister. "If she left behind any money, it should be donated to a local mosque, madrasa or orphanage. We have no claim over it. Being able to visit her grave after 25 years is our greatest consolation."

According to railway police, Wahida had made an abandoned room at Methikanda Railway Station her home for the past 25 years. She survived by sweeping the platform, cleaning toilets, and performing other maintenance tasks. She saved the money she received from passengers and locals. Police said a group of individuals entered her room on July 4, demanding her savings. When she refused, they allegedly beat her severely before fleeing with the money.

Wahida became critically ill and was taken to a health complex, but died on the way to a hospital. A case initially filed over robbery and assault was converted to a murder case following her death. Five suspects have been arrested so far.

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So many people have accused us of coming here for money. If she left behind any money, it should be donated to a local mosque, madrasa or orphanage. We have no claim over it. Being able to visit her grave after 25 years is our greatest consolation.