Two neighbours Kamrun Nahar and Aklima Begum were waiting for a rickshaw in the Library Bazar area of Pabna Municipality at 11am on 13 September.
Kamrun Nahar, a widow, lost her husband in a road accident four years ago. Aklima’s husband has a second family who does not provide Aklima with necessary support.
Both women face constant hardship and struggle to find shelter and a means of survival. Like them, 98 other women gathered that day at Al Haj Ahed Ali Biswas School and College in Pabna Sadar, where Bashundhara Shuvosangho, with support from Bashundhara Group, distributed sewing machines to 100 very-poor women.
Those women are striving to bring back solvency in their lives. Bashundhara Group pledged to stand by these courageous women in their battle for survival.
Renowned Bangladeshi author Imdadul Haq Milan had arrived at Ahed Ali Biswas School and College by 11am, followed by the deputy commissioner and other distinguished guests.
The event began with former Pabna Press Club General Secretary Akhinur Islam Remon inviting eminent author, Shuvosangho founder and Bashundhara Group adviser Imdadul Haq Milan to deliver the opening remarks.
Other speakers included former Ward 6 councillor of Pabna Municipality Ashraf Pramanik, General Secretary of Suchitra Sen Smriti Sangsad Dr Naresh Madhu, Founder of Suchona Samaj Kalyan Sangstha Purnima Islam, Head teacher of Ahed Ali Biswas School Hafizur Rahman Royal Biswas, Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, General Secretary Zahurul Islam, and Principal of Government Shaheed Bulbul College Prof Md Bahez Uddin.
During the event, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Special Assistant Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas called Imdadul Haq Milan via video call and, on behalf of Ahed Ali Biswas Welfare Trust, thanked Bashundhara Group for distributing sewing machines in Pabna.
Following the speeches, the distribution ceremony began. Milan, Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, Zahurul Islam, Akhinur Rahman Remon, and Hafizur Rahman Royal Biswas handed over sewing machines to the women.
Widowed Mosammat Shefali of Sadhupura, moved to tears, said, “I am very happy to receive this sewing machine. My husband is no more, I have no son, only three daughters.”
She added, “I raised them with great difficulty. At times, I couldn’t even pay their exam fees and had to ask the head teacher for a waiver. This machine will help me a lot. I can never repay this debt.”
Society Cannot Progress by Neglecting Women
Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Special Assistant to BNP Chairperson and representative of Ahed Ali Biswas Welfare Trust kept his remark.
He said “Even after 54 years of independence, women in our country are not socially empowered, and financially they remain far behind—especially in rural poor families. Bashundhara Shuvosangho, however, has long been working to strengthen the economic capacity of marginalised women by providing free sewing training and machines.
He continued, “Together with Ahed Ali Biswas Welfare Trust, they have sincerely implemented this initiative in Pabna. These machines will play a role in strengthening the rural economy. To advance society, women must advance. A society cannot progress while women remain neglected.”
Nila’s Dream Fulfilled
Nilufa Yasmin Nila of Ward 14 of Pabna municipality had long dreamt of educating her three sons, though her husband’s income was not enough. Struggling to meet educational expenses, she had hoped for an earning opportunity. That dream came true when Bashundhara Shuvosangho handed her a sewing machine.
Overjoyed Nila said, “My dream has always been to educate my sons, but I had no personal income. Now, with this sewing machine, even if I earn a little, I can spend it on their education. I thank the Bashundhara Group from the bottom of my heart.”
“Families’ Economic Capacity Will Grow”
Deputy commissioner (DC) of Pabna Mohammad Mofizul Islam during his remark said, “Bashundhara Shuvosangho carries out various initiatives for disadvantaged people across the country, from sewing machines to livestock distribution. Today they have distributed 100 sewing machines in Pabna.”
He continued, “These women will be able to earn an income and also manage household sewing, increasing their families’ economic strength. I applaud Bashundhara Shuvosangho for this initiative. If more wealthy groups follow their example, society will advance further.”
Sumona’s Pursuit of Happiness
Sumona Khatun of Shalgaria, Pabna, has known only hardship since her marriage. Her husband runs a small shop, barely enough to support their family including in-laws. Poverty has been their constant companion.
Upon receiving a sewing machine from Shuvosangho, she was overwhelmed with joy. “Our shop alone cannot sustain us. Now I can sew clothes and earn, spending the income on my family. At least I can do something for my husband and in-laws,” she said.
Shuvosangho is doing commendable works
Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar expressed his gratitude for Bashundhara Shuvosangho during his remarks.
He said, “Bashundhara Shuvosangho is carrying out numerous humanitarian projects nationwide. In Pabna, we’ve seen them set up libraries, provide shops for the differently-abled, establish schools in remote villages, and now distribute 100 sewing machines among women.
“If wealthy people consistently came forward for the underprivileged, society would not lag behind. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Bashundhara Shuvosangho is an exception, and I wish for their good work to continue.”
Bashundhara Will Stand by Women in Their Struggle
Prof Md Bahez Uddin, Principal of Government Shaheed Bulbul College, Pabna mentioned the impact of this initiative during his speech.
He said, “I thank Bashundhara Shuvosangho for distributing free sewing machines among underprivileged women. They are working nationwide to change the fate of disadvantaged people. A sewing machine can be a powerful tool for women to transform their lives.
“Our women are not weak—they are courageous. If they try, they will succeed in their struggles. I believe these women will triumph, and the Bashundhara Group will remain by their side.”
Shuvosangho Doing Humanitarian Work Nationwide
General Secretary of Pabna Press Club Zahurul Islam pointed out the mission of Bashundhara Shuvosangho in his remarks.
He mentioned, “Shuvosangho, founded by noted author and journalist Imdadul Haq Milan, is carrying out humanitarian initiatives across the country. In Pabna, they handed 100 women sewing machines with the aim of ensuring that their families benefit, their children go to school, and no one has to go hungry.”
He added, “If these machines change lives, then Shuvosangho’s mission will be truly successful.”
Sewing Machines Can Change Women’s Fate
Akhinur Islam Remon, news editor of the Daily Ichamati in Pabna, spoke about the economic solvency the families could achieve and the contribution Bashundhara Shuvosangho is making.
“One sewing machine can transform a woman’s fate. Through Shuvosangho’s initiative, hundreds of women across districts are being provided with machines and training, creating employment opportunities. This will positively impact our economy."
He added, "In collaboration with Ahed Ali Biswas Trust, 100 sewing machines were distributed in Pabna. This will help women with household needs while creating income opportunities, bringing stability to families. I hope Bashundhara Shuvosangho continues this noble work.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
