Desk Report:
Many women dream of overcoming financial hardship and standing on their own feet. However, despite having the desire and the necessary skills, many lack employment opportunities due to financial constraints. Bashundhara Shubhosangha has stepped forward to help such women become self-reliant. Following a three-month sewing training program, sewing machines were handed over to 40 underprivileged women from Netrokona Sadar and Barhatta Upazilas. Through this initiative, they now envision transforming their own lives and those of their families by earning an income from home.
Mahamuda Akter from Barhatta Upazila is dreaming of a new beginning after receiving a sewing machine. Upon receiving the machine following the three-month training organized by Bashundhara Shubhosangha, she said, “This sewing machine represents a chance at a new life for me. Now, I can earn an income by sewing at home. I hope to raise my child well. I am deeply grateful to Bashundhara Shubhosangha for this support.”
At a recent event held at the Barhatta Upazila Multipurpose Hall, 19 other underprivileged women—like Mahamuda—also received sewing machines after completing their training. The machines were handed over by Imdadul Haq Milan, a renowned fiction writer from both Bengals, the head of Bashundhara Shubhosangha, and an advisor to the Bashundhara Group. Also present at the event were Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Selina Akter, Upazila Social Services Officer ASM Golam Hossain, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Shafiquzzaman, Press Club President Shamsuddin Akand Babul, Dharmapasha Press Club President Salim Ahmed, Akhil Chandra Pal, Md. Nurul Amin, Ferdous Ahmed, and Mokhlesur Rahman, among others.
Speaking at the event, Imdadul Haq Milan said, “Our primary objective behind distributing these sewing machines is simple: to stand by women who wish to stand on their own feet and become self-reliant but cannot afford to purchase a sewing machine due to financial constraints.” Bashundhara Shuvosangho regularly distributes sewing machines across various districts of the country. “We want this machine to be more than just a tool in a woman’s hands; we want it to be a pathway for her to stand on her own feet.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Selina Akter said, “This initiative to distribute sewing machines is crucial for making helpless and underprivileged women self-reliant. Through three months of training, these women are not merely receiving a machine; they are being given an opportunity to become financially independent.”
She added, “Through this initiative, women can earn an income by working from home and play a role in overcoming their family’s financial hardships. I am delighted to be associated with this program by Bashundhara Group.”
Separately, sewing machines were handed over to another 20 women at the office of the Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha in Netrokona Sadar Upazila. Guests at the event included Freedom Fighter, author, and essayist Haider Jahan Chowdhury; former General Secretary of Netrokona District Press Club Shyamalendu Pal; Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha Manager Mrinal Kanti Chakraborty; Bashundhara Shuvosangho Netrokona District Branch President Abdur Rahman; Bangladesh Pratidin correspondent Alpana Begum; News24 correspondent Sohan Ahmed Kakon; Kaler Kantho correspondent Ebad Hossain; and Shuvosangho Organizing Secretary Ashraful Alam Tony, among others.
Mitu Akter is one of the women who received a sewing machine. She lost her father; the family relies on the income her mother earns by doing sewing work at various tailoring shops. Mitu is currently a third-year Honors student in the Department of Political Science at Netrokona Government College. She wishes to work alongside her mother to help alleviate the family’s financial crisis.
Mitu said, “With a sewing machine at home, both my mother and I can work and earn a good income. Thanks to Bashundhara’s support, we have received both training and a sewing machine. Now, we will achieve financial stability, Insha’Allah.” “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Bashundhara Group.”
Iti Rani Das also sees a new ray of hope after receiving a sewing machine. Her husband works at a garment factory in Dhaka for a low wage, and it is difficult to meet all the family’s needs with his limited income. Faced with this situation, Iti felt a strong urge to do something herself to improve the family’s financial stability. The sewing machine provided by Bashundhara Shubhoshangho has opened up a new possibility for realizing that dream.
Through this initiative by Bashundhara Shubhoshangho, 40 women have received training and the necessary equipment, giving them the opportunity to earn an income by utilizing their skills. They hope that through sewing work, they will be able to alleviate their family’s financial hardship and play a role in shaping their children’s futures.
