Bashundhara Shuvosangho in Madaripur’s Shibchar upazila has taken an inspiring initiative to help a physically challenged man become self-reliant by providing him with goods to run his shop.
On Friday, Bashundhara Shuvosangho Shibchar unit, with support from friends of the organisation, handed over daily essentials and other products to the shop of physically challenged Md Jamal Fakir at Nal Gora under Shibchar municipality.
The contribution was made on behalf of Sazzad Hossain Siddiqui Lablu, joint convener of Madaripur district BNP, who extended his support to Jamal through his younger brother, Sadat Hossain Siddiqui Nasru Mia.
According to locals, Jamal was once a healthy man but became permanently disabled about two decades ago after suffering from typhoid fever that gradually paralysed his limbs. Due to poverty, he could not afford treatment and eventually lost the ability to walk normally.
He now lives with his wife, two sons, and a daughter. Because of his physical limitations, he had long been unable to earn, forcing his family into hardship. Although he owned a small shop in the area, it had remained empty for years due to a lack of capital to purchase products.
Receiving shop goods and cash support, Jamal expressed his gratitude, saying, “For 20 years, I have been unable to work. I couldn’t buy anything for my shop because of financial hardship and had to sit there empty-handed. Today, thanks to Bashundhara Shuvosangho and Lablu bhai, I’ve regained the courage to start again. I’m deeply grateful and hopeful that I can now stand on my own feet.”
One Nazmul Hossain said, “Jamal bhai’s shop had no products before, so customers didn’t visit. With the help of Bashundhara Shuvosangho and Lablu bhai, he has now got a new beginning. We’re all delighted for him.”
Speaking about the initiative, Sazzad Hossain Siddiqui Lablu said, “Serving people is the core of our politics. We’ve been working selflessly for the underprivileged for a long time and will continue to do so. My support will always remain with Bashundhara Shuvosangho in its humanitarian activities. Physically challenged people are not a burden; they are capable individuals if society supports them.”
Present at the event were Bashundhara Shuvosangho Shibchar unit adviser Abul Khayer Khan, president Ekhlas Uddin Chunnu, vice-presidents Imtiaz Ahmed and Sarwar Hossain, general secretary SM Delowar Hossain, joint general secretary Md Rubel Ahmed, health and human resources secretary Nazmul Hossain Lablu, information and technology secretary Arfin Mohammad Sajib, and other locals.
President of Bashundhara Shuvosangho Shibchar unit Ekhlas Uddin Chunnu said, “Jamal bhai had been living a distressing life for a long time due to lack of money. With Lablu bhai’s cooperation, we’ve provided him with some cash and goods for his shop. He and his family are very happy. Our members will continue to stand by the distressed and work for the welfare of underprivileged people, InshaAllah.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
