Thriller buff street vendor: The unlikely bookworm of Mirpur

It was a crisp winter evening when a curious passerby was wandering along the bustling pavement of Water Tank Alley in Mirpur 10. He was on a simple mission—to find a few pairs of thick socks to replace their worn-out ones. But what caught his eye wasn’t the usual chaos of street vendors’ carts or the vibrant array of goods. Instead, it was something far more unexpected: a young man perched beside his cart, completely engrossed in a thriller novel.

The cart itself was neatly stacked with socks, winter gear, and undergarments—items that seemed almost mundane compared to the paperback in his hands. In a neighbourhood where most street vendors spent their idle moments scrolling through phones or chatting with customers, this young man’s choice of pastime felt like spotting a rare gem in an unlikely place.

Curiosity got the better of the passerby. “Looking for socks?” the vendor asked, noticing their lingering gaze—not on his wares but on his book. His cart boasted some high-quality items, but they weren’t what held the passerby’s attention. It was the striking contrast: a street vendor immersed in a thriller novel amid the humdrum of daily life.

“I didn’t know anyone around here read thrillers,” the passerby remarked, trying not to sound too intrusive.

The young man smiled shyly, revealing a row of slightly crooked teeth. “Oh, I love them,” he replied, holding up the dog-eared novel proudly. “This one’s really good.”

A thriller enthusiast behind the cart

The vendor is Abdur Rahim, a bachelor’s student of accounting at Government Bangla College who juggles his studies with running a street cart to make ends meet. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that thrillers weren’t just a casual hobby for Abdur Rahim—they were a passion. He spoke animatedly about characters like Sherlock Holms of Arthur Conan Doyle, Hercule Poirot of Agatha Christie, and Himu and Misir Ali of Humayun Ahmed, whose works transported him to worlds far removed from the grind of selling socks and gloves.

“Humayun Ahmed is my favorite,” Abdur Rahim confessed, his eyes lighting up. “But I also enjoy classics—Tagore, Nazrul, Bibhuti Bhushan. They take me to another world.”

For Abdur Rahim, reading isn’t merely a form of escapism—it’s a lifeline. Between managing his cart, studying for exams, and supporting his family, books offer him a sanctuary. And while many might assume someone selling socks wouldn’t have time for literature, Abdur Rahim proves otherwise.

His love for books has grown over the years. He used to buy second-hand books from pavement stalls and sell them back after reading. Now, he thinks to start building his own collection. “I want to have a good collection of books,” he said, proudly showing off a stack worth Tk 2,500. He even ordered a large table for his study space—a small but significant step toward creating a personal library.

From face masks to winter gear

Abdur Rahim’s journey as a street vendor began during the pandemic when he found himself with no other means of income. With a modest capital of Tk 5,000, he started selling face masks—a necessity in those uncertain times. Fast forward to today, and his inventory has grown exponentially. His cart now carries goods worth over Tk 50,000, with another Tk 1 lakh stored safely at home.

Despite his entrepreneurial success, Abdur Rahim’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. This winter, sales have been sluggish. “At least Tk 30,000 worth of stock will go unsold,” he sighed, gesturing toward the pile of gloves and scarves. Still, he remains pragmatic. “I’ll bring new products next week and store these for next year.”

What struck the passerby most about Abdur Rahim was his resilience. While others might see his situation as limiting, he views it as an opportunity—to learn, to grow, and to dream bigger.

Family man with big dreams

Abdur Rahim is the third among five brothers and two half-brothers. Unlike his siblings, who dropped out of school early, he has always valued education. “None of my brothers study,” he lamented, shaking his head. Determined to break the cycle, he brought his younger siblings to Dhaka and helped them set up small businesses selling fuchka and sharbat. For Abdur Rahim, education and hard work are non-negotiables.

Yet, beneath his determination lies a deep sense of responsibility. Every penny he earns goes toward supporting his family. Despite the long hours and financial pressures, he never loses sight of his goals: finishing college, expanding his business, and perhaps someday writing his own thriller.

The unseen side of street vendors

As the passerby walked away from Abdur Rahim’s cart—with a fresh pair of socks tucked under their arm—they couldn’t help but reflect on the encounter. How often do people overlook the stories behind the faces they see every day? To most, Abdur Rahim might just be another vendor peddling socks and gloves. But to those willing to look closer, he’s a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the written word.

In bustling Mirpur, amid the honking rickshaws and hurried footsteps, Abdur Rahim stands as a quiet reminder that heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes, they sit quietly beside their carts, lost in the pages of a gripping thriller, dreaming of a brighter tomorrow.