Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 1st February 2026, 5:43 AM
In the village of Binandapur, located in the Purba Juri Union of Moulvibazar’s Juri Upazila, an exceptionally large joint family has maintained its unity for nearly eight decades. While Bangladesh once had numerous joint families, over the years most have gradually fragmented into smaller nuclear households. The descendants of Bhim Rudrapal, however, have preserved this rare tradition. Today, the family comprises 50 members living together harmoniously under one roof.
The tradition of communal living began with Bhim Rudrapal, a tea plantation worker originally from Purulia in West Bengal, India. Driven by economic necessity during the British colonial period, he settled permanently in Purba Juri Union with his family. Alongside working in the local tea gardens, he purchased land and established a lasting homestead. Bhim’s two sons, Murari and Keshab Rudrapal, sustained the family across three generations, ensuring its cohesion.
The table below summarises the family’s members, lineage, and assets:
| Family Member | Description | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bhim Rudrapal | Family founder | Deceased |
| Murari Rudrapal | Eldest son, three marriages, two wives deceased | 5 sons, 2 daughters; all reside with family |
| Keshab Rudrapal | Younger son, two marriages, two wives deceased | 4 sons, 4 daughters; all reside with family |
| Palash Rudrapal | Murari’s middle son, principal family guardian | 60 years old, oversees household |
| Shobha Rudrapal | Veterinarian, Palash’s elder brother | Active in village and abroad |
| Property | Total land | 100 bighas, including garden, fish farm, livestock |
| Family members | Total number | 50 |
Daily life in the Rudrapal household adheres to longstanding traditions. Meals are prepared collectively in a single large pot, and all family members dine together. The homestead consists of four tin-roofed houses, a spacious courtyard, and a kitchen with mud walls and thatched roofing. The family cultivates Aus and Aman rice, yielding 300–400 maunds annually. Fish, vegetables, and fruits are grown to meet household needs, with any surplus sold locally.
Younger family members are taught respect, empathy, and cooperation, while the elders instil resilience and collective strength. Seventy-year-old Sohagi Rudrapal, one of the senior members, reflects: “I am happy with my sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. I hope we continue to live together in this way for many more years.”
Local headteacher Ashok Ranjan Pal regards the Rudrapal family as a model for the surrounding community. Purba Juri Union chairman Obaidul Islam notes that no other joint family of this scale exists nearby, making it a source of pride for the entire region.
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