Desk Report:
Following the completion of their training, 100 women in Lalmonirhat now have sewing machines, opening up opportunities for them to earn an income from home. Under an initiative by Bashundhara Shuvosangho, these women—hailing from five upazilas of the district—were gifted a sewing machine each, following a three-month free training program. This initiative not only paves the way for them to become self-reliant but also creates new possibilities for them to contribute financially to their families.
On the afternoon of October 25, the sewing machines were formally handed over to the women at the Lalmonirhat Zila Parishad Auditorium. Many of the beneficiaries became visibly emotional during the event. Among them was Sajeda Begum, a homemaker from Votmari in Kaliganj Upazila.
Upon receiving her sewing machine, Sajeda Begum said, “I am happy—so very happy! I cannot even express how wonderful I feel today. A dream of mine has come true. Now, I can earn an income from home, contribute to my household, and support the education of my three children.”
The sewing machines were provided to 100 women across five upazilas as part of a Bashundhara Shuvosangho program aimed at “empowering underprivileged women to become self-reliant.” Prior to this, they had undergone three months of free training in sewing. The machines were provided to enable them to begin their work immediately following the training.
The distribution ceremony, held at the Zila Parishad Auditorium, was attended by Deputy Commissioner Muha. Rashedul Haque Prodhan as the chief guest, while A.K.M. Mominul Haque, Administrator of the Zila Parishad, served as the special guest. Also present was Imdadul Haq Milan—a renowned author, head of Bashundhara Shuvosangho, and advisor to the Bashundhara Group.
Other speakers included Zakaria Zaman, Director of Bashundhara Shuvosangho; Entazur Rahman and Sunil Kumar Sutradhar, advisors to the Lalmonirhat chapter of Shuvosangho; as well as the chapter’s president, Jamal Hossain, and general secretary, Naim Islam. The event was moderated by Tanmoy Ahmed Noyon, an advisor to the Lalmonirhat chapter of Shuvosangho. In his address as the chief guest, Deputy Commissioner Muha. Rashedul Haque Prodhan remarked that the initiative to empower so many women simultaneously is truly inspiring. Commending the nationwide efforts of ‘Shubhosangha,’ he noted that such activities also support and advance government initiatives. He further observed that the distribution of such a large number of sewing machines at once is an unprecedented event in the history of Lalmonirhat.
He added that, alongside the government’s efforts, initiatives like this from the Bashundhara Group will contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
A.K.M. Mominul Haque, Administrator of the Zila Parishad (District Council), praised Bashundhara’s commitment to supporting the community, noting that the organization consistently works for the welfare of the people throughout the year. He described such endeavors as a vital contribution to the country.
Imdadul Haq Milan, head of Bashundhara Shubhosangha and an advisor to the Bashundhara Group, stated that this marks the second phase of distributing sewing machines to women in Lalmonirhat—a development that brings them great joy. He also highlighted that the organization provides scholarships to 3,000 students who were otherwise unable to continue their education due to financial constraints.
He mentioned that Bashundhara Shubhosangha has established libraries across various parts of the country, and that both the organization and the Bashundhara Group remain dedicated to supporting the public in diverse ways. He encouraged the women who received the sewing machines to not only pursue their own work but also to train other women, helping them develop new skills. Emphasizing that women excel in every field, he urged them to move forward with confidence and determination.
Himu Akter, a resident of the Teesta riverbank area in Mohishkhocha (Aditmari Upazila) who received a sewing machine, shared that her college education was on the verge of being cut short due to a lack of funds. At that critical juncture, Bashundhara Shubhosangha stepped in to help. Now, by using the sewing machine to stitch garments for others, she has the opportunity to earn an income and continue her studies.
“I can now earn money by sewing clothes for others, which will allow me to continue my education,” she said. “Many thanks to Bashundhara.”
Another beneficiary, Shiuli Rani, explained that she faces significant hardship in managing her household, which includes her ailing husband and their children. Although she had long wished to contribute to the family’s finances through her own earnings, she previously lacked the opportunity to do so. This opportunity has been created through the initiative of Bashundhara Shubhoshangho.
Shiuli Rani says, “I had a strong desire to do something to support my family. Bashundhara Shubhoshangho has provided that opportunity. I am grateful to Bashundhara.”
The women who received sewing machines hope that by applying the skills acquired during their training, they will be able to earn an income from home. This will not only help them become financially self-reliant but also enable them to contribute to household expenses and support their children’s education.
