For nearly eight decades, the village of Binandapur in Purba Juri Union, Juri Upazila, Moulvibazar, has been home to one of Bangladesh’s most extraordinary joint families. While joint households were once common in rural Bangladesh, most have gradually fragmented into smaller nuclear units over the years. The descendants of Bhim Rudrapal, however, have preserved this rare tradition, maintaining a cohesive family structure under one roof. Today, the household comprises 50 members living together harmoniously.
The family’s origins trace back to Bhim Rudrapal, originally a tea garden worker from Purulia, West Bengal, India. Seeking economic stability during the British colonial era, Bhim permanently settled in Purba Juri. Alongside working in local tea estates, he purchased land and established a permanent homestead. His two sons, Murari and Keshav Rudrapal, carried forward the legacy, ensuring the family remained united over three successive generations.
The table below summarises key family members, lineage, and assets:
| Member Name | Description | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bhim Rudrapal | Family founder | Deceased |
| Murari Rudrapal | Eldest son; three marriages, two wives | 5 sons, 2 daughters; all live with the family |
| Keshav Rudrapal | Younger son; two marriages, two wives | 4 sons, 4 daughters; all live with the family |
| Palash Rudrapal | Murari’s middle son, chief housekeeper | Age 60; manages daily household operations |
| Shobha Rudrapal | Veterinarian | Active locally and abroad |
| Assets | Total land | 100 bigha; includes tea gardens, fish farms, livestock |
| Total Family Members | 50 |
Daily life in the Binandapur household is governed by longstanding traditions. Meals are prepared collectively in large cooking vessels, and the entire family dines together. The homestead comprises four tin-roofed houses, spacious courtyards, and kitchens with mud walls topped by thatched roofs. The family cultivates Aus and Aman rice varieties, yielding 300–400 maunds annually. Fish, vegetables, and fruits are grown to meet domestic needs, with surplus produce sold in local markets.
Younger family members learn respect, empathy, and cooperation, while elders emphasise tolerance and the strength of unity. Seventy-year-old Shahagi Rudrapal reflects: “I am happy living with my sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. I hope we can continue living together like this for many more years.”
The family has become a model for surrounding communities. Ashok Ranjan Pal, the local head teacher, notes their exemplary household dynamics, while Purba Juri Union Chairman Obaidul Islam observes that no other joint family of this size exists nearby—a point of pride for the entire region.