For the first time in her life, 105-year-old Ambia Begum has registered as a voter.

Throughout her long adult life, she has been unable to practise this fundamental right.

During a voter registration drive on Sunday at Galachipa Government Model Secondary School, she arrived in a wheelchair and was finally registered. Now, she hopes to cast her vote in the upcoming election.

Born in 1920, Ambia Begum has witnessed several significant historical events, from British colonial rule and the Partition of India to the Pakistan era and Bangladesh's Liberation War.

She currently resides with her family in Ward No. 2 of Galachipa Sadar Union in Patuakhali.

Her grandson, Rakibul Hasan, shared that Ambia's life has been one of hardship. After her husband's death in 1972, she had to move frequently — living in Bauphal, Patuakhali, and Galachipa at different times. Due to this constant displacement, she was never able to register as a voter. However, this time, her family took the initiative to include her name on the voter list.

Lutfun Nahar, an assistant teacher at Ratanadi Government Primary School and a data collector for Galachipa Sadar Union, played a crucial role in assisting Ambia with the required documents and verification process to ensure her inclusion in the voter list.

Md Jamal Uddin, supervisor of Galachipa Sadar Union and head teacher of Buria Bandh Government Primary School, confirmed that her birth registration was obtained, and her voter application was processed promptly. She will receive her National Identity Card (NID) soon.

Despite her age, Ambia Begum expressed immense joy upon becoming a voter. Her face lit up with excitement as she shared her feelings: "I have witnessed many things in life, but I never got to vote. Now that I am a voter, I feel happy. Insha Allah, I will cast my vote."