They travel from village to village for earning. Putting on horns, pulling out tooth worms, children with 'treatment' of various diseases are given amulets. If there is poison in the body, he heals it with the thick part of the cut buffalo horn. In this way they get little income in the name of treating the people of the village. However, daily income of 100 to 200 taka does not turn the wheel of the world properly.
A temporary Bedepalli of 11 families was built five years ago in Khilpara area of Maria Union of Kishoreganj Sadar Upazila. The original house is in Jhenaigati of Sherpur. The members of the village earn money by going around like this. There are about 25 children. Of these, at least 15 are fit to go to school, but four go to the local BRAC school. Others spend the day walking around or playing and picking leaves.
In Khilpara area, the families are living in 11 chapra houses free of rent in the fallen place of a person named Syed Mia. On going there on Saturday, it is known that many have gone to the village in search of income. Some of the women were cooking, some were bathing their children. Some were sunbathing.
Talked with Dipali, wife of Jasim Uddin, Sardar of Bedepalli. He said that the families had recently come from Sylhet. Each family has 5 to 10 members. While four children attend BRAC schools, others are growing up without education. BRAC's education program is closed for the time being, said District Coordinator Md. Shafiqul Islam. He said that it will be launched soon.
Deepali was saying that her husband had two marriages. She is the first wife. There are four sons. No ability to educate children. They will also grow up and retain the profession of their father and grandfather. Second wife Shefali said, he has one son and three daughters. Altogether there are 11 members of Sardar Jasim's family. They said, they don't show snake play. Even then everyone calls them Bede.
Village residents said they have no assets. Because of this, you have to live by moving around. If the government took notice, they would have been saved from suffering. A few days ago MP of Kishoreganj-1 Syeda Zakia Noor Lipi gave one blanket to each family. He also gave 3 thousand rupees for everyone.
Village chief Jasim Uddin said, he is a bowler. Can sing once or twice a month. 1 to 2 thousand taka is shared in a ceremony. Due to his floating life he became a voter in Daudkandi area of Comilla. Another two are voters of Kantabaria area of Kishoreganj Sadar Upazila. Some have become voters of Sherpur's Jhenaigati.
District Primary Education Officer Subrata Kumar Vanik said the government has established non-formal education and child welfare schools for children from floating families like Jharre Pada and Bedepalli. Free books and educational materials are being given to the students in these schools. Children of Bedepalli can study in these institutions.
Sadar Upazila Chairman Mamun Al Masud Khan said that Bedepalli was helped with food and clothes at various times. Get VGF rice before Eid. Semai, sugar and milk are provided. They are also getting blankets.