Desk Report:
Bashundhara Shuvosangho has distributed sewing machines to 100 women across five upazilas of Bandarban to create self-employment opportunities for underprivileged women in these remote hilly areas. Upon completing their training, each woman received a sewing machine along with two tree saplings as a message for environmental conservation.
This initiative in Bandarban is part of a broader program supported by Bashundhara Group to provide sewing training and distribute machines across various regions of the country. The distribution process began in Lama Upazila and proceeded sequentially to Alikadam, Bandarban Sadar, Rowangchhari, and finally Ruma Upazila. A total of 100 underprivileged women across these five upazilas received this assistance.
The final phase of the event was recently held at the Munlai Para Cultural Center in Ruma Upazila. After traversing rugged mountain terrain to reach the venue, representatives of Bashundhara Shuvosangho handed over sewing machines to 20 women from both ethnic minority and Bengali communities.
Attendees at the event included Ruma Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Manas Barua, Upazila Women Affairs Officer Md. Jabed Rauzan, and the Director of Ruma Agrabangsha Orphanage, Naindia Thera, alongside local community leaders and BNP representatives.
Opportunities for education and employment are relatively limited in the remote, hilly areas of Ruma Upazila. Despite facing financial hardship, many women continue their studies while also managing household expenses. Locals view the provision of training and sewing machines as a promising new source of income for these women.
Naiuching Marma, who grew up at the Ruma Agrabangsha Orphanage, is one of the recipients. Having lost her parents at a young age, she pursued her education within the orphanage. After completing the training and receiving a sewing machine, she now dreams of becoming self-reliant.
Naiuching Marma said, “I grew up in the orphanage. This sewing machine has further boosted my confidence to stand on my own feet.”
Chamya Mro also received a sewing machine at the same event. Her father, Menyang Mro, has passed away, and her mother suffers from mental illness. Two sisters are supporting their household by practicing Jhum (shifting) cultivation while Chamya pursues her Honours studies at Bandarban Government College. She believes that the new sewing machine will not only generate income but also enable her to continue her education.
Chamya Mro said, “This will create a new source of income for me and help me continue my studies. I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Bashundhara.”
Manas Barua, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ruma Police Station, described the distribution of sewing machines as a humanitarian initiative aimed at making underprivileged women from remote areas self-reliant. Through this, women can gain self-employment opportunities and contribute to their families’ financial well-being. He expressed hope that such activities would continue.
Md. Jabed Rauzan, the Upazila Women Affairs Officer, noted that sewing training and the distribution of machines are providing women with skills and employment opportunities, paving the way for their economic self-reliance. He urged for the continuation of such initiatives to foster women’s empowerment and social welfare.
Naindia Thera, Director of Ruma Agrabangsha Orphanage, remarked that providing training and sewing machines to underprivileged women in remote areas is undoubtedly a praiseworthy initiative. It enables women and adolescent girls to acquire skills, secure self-employment, and contribute to their families’ economic development.
Bashundhara Shuvosangho stated that over 3,000 women across various regions of the country have already become self-reliant through training and sewing machine support. The initiative to provide training and machines to 100 women across five upazilas in Bandarban is part of this ongoing effort.
