Success story of Sumon Howlader
In the heart of a quaint village, where the melody of nature intertwined with the rhythm of everyday life there live a man named Sumon Howlader. Sumon’s life took an unexpected turn when darkness enveloped his world at the tender age of 21 due to a sudden bout of blindness caused by a rare medical condition. Before these seven years his life was going on like a normal person, he went to school, he studied, he played sports, he mingled with everyone, everyone loved him. His aim in life was to do a government job and serve the people. But when he fell ill, when he became blind in both eyes, his life turned dark. He saw despair in his life and could not find any purpose in his life. After he became blind, the people of the village used to say harsh things to him. He was not allowed to participate in any social activities.
But when BPUS staff went to the field to conduct a survey, they found Suman. Then they register his name. At that time BPUS staff encouraged his and gave motivation to become independent. He received various trainings from BPUS, such as IGA training, training on Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, mobility, small business and once he received 10 thousand Taka for his business. In the training of this law, he got to know what are the rights of a disabled person and how he can get facilities in education, social, at all levels.
He got these trainings and got some financial support from BPUS, he decided to open a tea shop, and according to his decision he was able to open the tea shop and slowly his business started to improve. The laughter, stories, and camaraderie shared at Sumon’s tea stall created a warm and inclusive atmosphere, dispelling any notions of disability. He is now largely self-sufficient and supports his family through the business. He is earning around three to four hundred Taka per day and he is playing an important role to the society and the state.
To children and youngsters with disabilities, Sumon wants to say:
You are incredible just as you are. Your individuality makes you special. Your disability is just one part of who you are, and it doesn’t define your worth or what you can achieve. Know that obstacles are not roadblocks, but challenges to overcome. Your journey might have its ups and downs, but each experience teaches you something new. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and keep striving for your goals.
Success story of Md. Faruk Sarder
In a secluded village, lives a man named Faruk. He developed physical ailments when he was three months old and has been physically disabled ever since. He overcame all his obstacles and managed to complete his studies up to the eighth grade. He was unable to continue his studies as he was physically disabled and had trouble walking. Due to being born in a poor family, he had to bear the burden of his family only after passing the eighth grade. He also had a dream to grow up and study and get a good job and take care of his family and earn a good amount of money but the situation was not in his favor. In this situation he became very worried.
But when BPUS staff went to the field to conduct a survey, they found a man named Faruk with disabilities. Then they register his name. At that time BPUS staff encouraged his and gave motivation to become independent. He received various trainings from BPUS, such as IGA training, training on Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, mobility, small business. In the training of this law, he got to know what are the rights of a disabled person and how he can get facilities in education, social, at all levels.
He got these trainings from BPUS, he decided to open a tea shop. Despite a leg disability that limited his mobility, Faruk has established a tea stall at the crossroads of the village. The village gather around Faruk’s tea stall not just for the refreshment of his chai but to witness a man who, despite facing physical challenges, has become a pillar of strength. Faruk’s leg problem, rather than being a hindrance, became a symbol of his unyielding spirit. As seasons changed and harvests came and went, Faruk continued to brew dreams at his tea stall. He is now largely self-sufficient and supports his family through the business. He is earning around three to four hundred Taka per day and he is playing an important role to the society and the state.
Faruk’s future plans are to expand his business and create employment for people with disabilities.
To children and youngsters with disabilities, Faruk wants to say:
Life may present challenges, but remember, each of us carries a unique strength that can overcome any obstacle. I, too, faced difficulties. Let your dreams soar high, and don’t be afraid to chase them. You have the power to shape your destiny. Education, kindness, and perseverance are your allies on this journey. Stay strong, be courageous, and never underestimate the impact you can have on the world. You are a beacon of inspiration, and your unique story can inspire others to see beyond limitations.
Success story of Md. Saokot Sikdar
In a village, lives a man named Saokot. Saokot’s life was like a general person, he went to school, he studied, he played sports with his friends, this is how his life was spent. He passed the SSC exam. After passing the exam, he started looking for a job. He gets an electrical job. When he was 22 years old, he lost both his hands while doing electrical work. When he loses both his hands, his family and society start to look at him differently, speak harshly to him. So he remains unemployed for two years, he does not get any work. No one wants to give him a job because he doesn’t have two hands.
But when BPUS staff went to the field to conduct a survey, they found a man named Saokot with disabilities. Then they register his name. At that time BPUS staff encouraged his and gave motivation to become independent. He received various trainings from BPUS, such as IGA training, training on Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, small business. In the training of small business, Through that training, he learned how to earn through small business.
After training on this small business, he decided that he would open a fruit shop. He selected a shop in his area and informed BPUS and BPUS gave him some financial support. With that money he started buying and selling fruits. When he started making profit from fruit business then he thought he will start a poultry farm and finally he was able to start a poultry farm with the help of some chickens and BPUS. Now he earns 500 taka per day. He now participates in all activities of the society and is currently a member of the madrasa committee.
Saokot’s future plans are to expand his business and create employment for people with disabilities.
To children and youngsters with disabilities, Saokot wants to say:
I want to say to persons with disabled that you can be self-reliant like me by doing small business like this without begging and show the society that you can do something too. It will improve the country and society.
Success story of Beuti Sorkar
Beuti lives in a village. Despite the serene ambiance of her village, Beuti faced a challenge that set her apart from others—she was born with a speech and hearing disability. She overcame all her obstacles and started going to school but due to not being able to speak, she could not go to school for long because her friends at school used to say bad things to her because she could not speak and could not hear. Her life continued like this. Through someone else she comes to know about the activities of BPUS she comes to know BPUS works with people with disabilities and helps them in many developmental activities and improves the quality of life of person with disabilities.
BPUS register her name. At that time BPUS staff encouraged her and gave motivation to become independent. She received various trainings from BPUS, such as IGA training, training on Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, sewing training. In the training of sewing training, Through that training, she learned how to earn through sewing training.
She got three months training on sewing training and got some financial support from BPUS and started her sewing work at home. As word of Beuti’s talent spread throughout the village, her small sewing business began to thrive. The people of the village were very surprised to see his technique of making clothes. Thus her reputation and work skills spread in the village. She can now make many items such as children’s clothes, three-pieces, blouses, petticoats and more. Now her monthly income is 7 to 8 thousand taka with which she supports the household expenses. She expressed her gratitude to BPUS.
Her future plans are that she wants to become more skilled and she wants to empower persons with disabilities with sewing training.
Success story of Sumi Akter
Sumi is a disabled person from birth. When her parents saw that Sumi was facing many physical problems. They were very worried about this. In this regard, when the members of his family and society are made aware of the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act and other issues through the Bangladesh Protibandhi Unnayan Sangstha (BPUS).
Most of the time Sumi is busy with her sewing work making different types of blouses, three pieces, petticoats and different types of children’s dresses. And by making them she is providing financial support to the family and becoming self-dependent. In her spare time, Sumi actively participates in hide and sick, Bouchi and Kutkut games as much as possible with her younger sister and next door friends and as a result, she develops a good relationship with her next door friends. Now she has a best friend. Her name is Sukhi Begum. They play together many games and they gossip each other at afternoon. Apart from her sewing work, Sumi also helps her parents with various tasks in the family. Such as: fetching water and cutting vegetables while her mother cooks and sometimes cooking, also doing various tasks including feeding their cow and taking them for rides in the fields. Also does many household chores including sweeping the house, cleaning the bed, washing the clothes.
Parents want their child to have the best possible quality of life, which includes access to necessary healthcare, education, and opportunities for social and personal development. BPUS has played a crucial role in assisting parents in understanding and dealing with her child’s disability. BPUS provide resources, guidance, and counseling to help parents navigate the challenges associated with raising a child with a disability. Through workshops, counseling sessions, or support groups, parents can learn coping strategies, gain a better understanding of their child’s needs.
Sumi wants to make herself more efficient through her sewing training and give a good impression to the country and society that disabled people are no longer behind. She wants to encourage people with disabilities to take up sewing.