Photo : TDM
Ali, an octogenarian from Thakurgaon, has defied age stereotypes and proven that his commitment to social service knows no bounds.
Despite crossing the age of 80, he continues to provide medical aid as a village doctor, traveling to remote patients on his motorcycle. However, his remarkable contribution does not end there.
Khorshed Ali has undertaken the noble task of planting palm trees in memory of martyrs, using the proceeds from the sale of his land in Thakurgaon. With an ultimate goal of planting 100,000 palm trees, he has already planted 52,000 saplings throughout the district, symbolizing the greatness of the fallen heroes of the Liberation War.
Khorshed Ali, a resident of Chilarang Union in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, can often be seen tending to the palm trees adorning the roadsides of his locality. Over the years, he has tirelessly planted numerous palm trees across various roads in the district, even going so far as to sell his own farmland to fund the initiative. Using his personal finances, he purchases palm tree saplings and diligently cares for them.
Residing in the Paharvanga area of Chilarang Union, Khorshed Ali lives with his wife, seven sons, and three daughters. The family relies solely on the income earned from his agricultural land and his provision of medical treatment in rural areas. Despite the sacrifices, they lead a contented life.
When asked about his motivation behind planting thousands of palm trees at his age, Khorshed Ali expressed his desire to provide a resting place for the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War. Additionally, he aims to protect people from lightning strikes by planting 52,000 palm trees along the roadsides.
However, his aspirations extend to planting a total of 100,000 palm trees. Every day, he traverses different roads on his motorcycle, caring for approximately 100 trees. Unfortunately, some miscreants have uprooted the trees, prompting this devoted tree lover to seek government assistance in maintaining them.
Alim Uddin, a resident of the same village, praised Khorshed Ali's unwavering dedication to palm tree planting, highlighting that he has been selflessly working to benefit the community for a long time. Khorshed Ali funds the initiative himself and occasionally receives assistance from others. He predominantly plants the trees between midnight and 3 am to prevent theft or damage to the saplings during daylight hours.
Another village resident and neighbor, Anwar Hossain, acknowledged the conflicts Khorshed Ali faced within his own family regarding the palm tree planting project. Despite the disagreements, Khorshed Ali sold his land and proceeded with the endeavor, driven by the desire to secure a better future for the next generation. Anwar Hossain emphasized the importance of government sponsorship for the upkeep of these palm trees, as it would greatly encourage Khorshed Ali to continue his remarkable work.
Fazlul Haque, the local UP Chairman, commended Khorshed Ali's extraordinary example of planting palm trees, emphasizing their role in preserving the beauty of nature and maintaining environmental balance. He also mentioned that the Union Parishad office has been providing support for the maintenance of the palm trees.
Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Mahbubur Rahman applauded Khorshed Ali's dedication and expressed admiration for his exceptional.
TDM/SD
