Ahela Begum has set a laudable example of overcoming family poverty by rearing goats at Isalotpur, a char (land emerging from riverbed) area beside the Teesta river in Kaliganj upazila under the district.

Ahela, 42, mother of four children including two school-going ones, once struggled to make both ends meet as her husband Shafiar Rahman, 48, working as a day labourer in the char area, could not provide well for the family.

“Five years ago, I started rearing three goats. Within a year, they gave birth to 12 offspring. Now I have 30 goats. I earn around Tk one lakh a year,” she said.

Ahela goes out from home daily for grazing goats in the char area where she also collects grass for their three cows.

“I spend my earning to support the family and arrange schooling of two children. I am also running a savings account for future,” said Ahela Begum.

Her husband Shafiar Rahman said his wife has brought solvency to the family by goat rearing in the char.

Ahela's daughter Mousumi Akhter, 12, said, “I and my younger brother go to school regularly as our mother gives us necessary support. She taught us that industry is the mother of good luck.”

“Following Ahela's example, many women in the char started rearing goats. She loves her goats and those look healthier than others in the area,” said Afsar Ali, 56, a resident of Isalotpur.