Invisible people of BracU: Wardens of our wellbeing

Before the campus brims with chatters and after the halls go silent, they trudge quietly through our momentary abode, caring for our comfort in ways we often fail to notice. From scrubbing sinks to emptying bins, they ensure that every corner of our campus is pristine for the numerous people who pass by. The traces of their hard work can be found in the faint scent of disinfectants, on the reflected surface of the spotless tiles and yet, their stories go unnoticed. From bustling corners to tireless hands, their story may go untold, but their impact lingers, deserving constant remembrance.

Nomita Roy, one of the staff members who works diligently to restore hygiene in our washrooms and other shared spaces, has been serving at Brac University for over a year. She clocks in at around 7 am and follows the same routine till 9-10 pm almost every day of the month. While the entirety of the campus stops to take a breather on Fridays, Nomita comes to the premises to fulfil her duties in hopes of securing the overtime pay. Despite working 12-13 hours a day, she goes home to her little son who waits for home cooked meals prepared by his mother.

On the other hand, Mohammad Khoka, the staff member of the 4th floor washroom, lives alone in Dhaka far away from his wife. He works the same long shifts, tirelessly dusting and mopping floors, making sure the cubicles and sinks are spotless. When asked if the work hours make him feel lonely, he replied, “Not really, work is work. I am not completely alone because my wife calls in every now and then to check if I have eaten. It also feels good to work harmoniously with the other staff.”

Shireen Begum, who has a long-standing association with the institution, worked for years but the sudden passing of her husband put a pause in that journey. However, she still managed to pick up from where she left in our new campus, marking a new beginning. With a smile on her face, she only had good things to convey about the way students and faculty members behave with her. There are times when some people leave bits of tissue papers on the floors, topple over the over-brimmed dustbins and dampen the washroom floors that they spent hours mopping. However, Shireen never expresses any frustration and instead, continues her magic like the experienced worker that she is, withholding the dignity of shared spaces.

With only 6 months in, Mohammad Din Islam has quickly picked up on the ways of his new job. Due to breathing problems, he had to leave his previous work in a furniture showroom; however, the acquaintances in his neighborhood had fortunately introduced him to Brac University, giving him a fresh start in a better environment. He has no particular complaints regarding his work as he finds it easier than the previous one but he requested something with a hopeful glint. He wishes system failures and shortcomings would not get in between the rewards of their very tireless efforts given the fact that their work is no less than the work of others.

These are only a few of the many untold stories of the people who remain unnoticed among us. Oftentimes we forget to acknowledge the ones who make our everyday life easier. Now it is time to finally see them, to recognize them, and to celebrate their invaluable contributions.