Sir Frank Peters meets a beggar admirer from 10-years past

Sir Frank Peters and the Admirer

Rabbe Jarman

I was taking an auto rickshaw ride in Gulshan Circle 2  with Sir Frank Peters the other day when suddenly a voice crying “Bondhu Hashe,  Bondhu Hashe!” could be heard above the traffic din and horn-honking.

I paid little attention, but Sir Frank who was familiar with that particular sound, looked around, recognized the caller, and screamed “Stop! Stop!” and I brought the rickshaw to a standstill.

A beggar woman wearing a 1,000-watt smile came running from behind and extending a warm hand of friendship, unquestionably delighted to see him and asking how he was in broken English.

Sir Frank greeted her like a long-lost sister, equally delighted to see her. I learned he knew her when she was about 14. She was one of the children he knew among the begging community in Gulshan. Her mother had given him the nickname “Bondhu Hashe” (the friend with the smiling face).

When Sir Frank first arrived in Gulshan he was greeted by beggars rubbing their stomachs feigning hunger and the usual false tear-filled cries for help, but he would have none of their theatrics.

Not able to speak Bangali, he would respond to their requests with “Hashe! ... Hashe!” and demonstrate by giving them a smile. Those who gave him a smile were given taka and the word was spread among the begging community and his nickname Bondhu Hashe was born and has lived in Gulshan folklore ever since.

I learned from the lady, now selling balloons, that he was their favourite and if the children needed soap, shampoo, toothbrush or toothpaste and suchlike all they had to do is ask and he would deliver the following day. He never renegaded on his promise.

She said her biggest thrills were the times when he used to give her British chocolate!

She said she had wanted to invite him to her wedding, but he wasn’t around at the time. Now she has a boy of 9, and two girls 4 and 2, and she requested him to visit them. Sir Frank said he would.

“I’m amazed she remembers me so fondly,” he said. “It’s been at least 10-years since we last met. She’s always had a radiant smile and that seems to have even improved over the years. Of course I will visit her family one day. We are all children of Allah,” Sir Frank said.

This incident alone goes to prove that acts of kindness are never forgotten.