Bashundhara Group stands by vulnerable women on the coast

Bashundhara Group, the country’s leading industrial conglomerate, has extended its support to the destitute and helpless women of the southern coastal region. Through Bashundhara Shuvosangho, the country’s top social organisation, widows, abandoned wives, and neglected women were provided with free three-month training in sewing and fabric cutting to help them become self-reliant. Recently, after successfully completing their training, each woman received a sewing machine from Bashundhara Shuvosangho on behalf of Bashundhara Group. Volunteers from the Amtali branch in Barguna and the Kalapara branch in Patuakhali of Bashundhara Shuvosangho selected 30 women from underprivileged families for the training programme.

An experienced female trainer conducted the three-month training. These women, burdened by household responsibilities and feeling directionless, found Bashundhara Group standing beside them as a source of strength and compassion. Overjoyed with the free training and sewing machines, they expressed their heartfelt gratitude.

Rashida Begum from Dhankhali Union in Kalapara upazila said, “My husband died ten years ago. I worked as a housemaid and was deceived in many ways. I became exhausted and ill. Left with no options, I sat idle.

When I became restless worrying about how to survive and feed myself, some members of Kalapara Shuvosangho found me and enrolled me in a sewing training centre to help me become self-sufficient. With sewing training and a new machine, I have now found a means to earn a living. Many organisations offer assistance in exchange for money. But Bashundhara Group has selflessly worked with honesty and dedication for the welfare of the country and its people.

Thanks to them, we 30 helpless women from the poor and destitute Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities are now winning in the struggle for life.”

Md Atikur Rahman Miraj, General Secretary of Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Kalapara branch, said, “We travelled across different unions of Amtali and Kalapara upazilas to find genuinely helpless women and prepared a list after neutral verification. They were then given free training. Now, on behalf of Bashundhara Group, sewing machines have been officially handed over, along with transportation fare to return home. We members of Bashundhara Shuvosangho feel deeply satisfied to have had the opportunity to deliver the machines to their homes.”

Jakaria Zaman, Director of Bashundhara Shuvosangho and Senior Assistant Editor of Kaler Kantho, said, “Under the directive of the honourable Chairman of Bashundhara Group and the leadership of Imdadul Haq Milan Sir, Bashundhara Shuvosangho is operating nationwide. In addition to various social activities for the development of society and the country, Bashundhara Shuvosangho is providing financial assistance for higher education of meritorious students from underprivileged families, supporting helpless individuals, and standing by people affected by disasters. Over the past 38 years, alongside industrial development, Bashundhara Group has undertaken numerous welfare activities. The training and distribution of sewing machines is another sustainable step towards rural women’s development by Bashundhara Group.”

In the presence of social, political, and administrative authorities, the sewing machine distribution event was held at Amtali Municipality auditorium under the chairmanship of Jakaria Zaman. The chief guest was Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Roknuzzaman Khan. Also present were Amtali Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tarek Hasan, Amtali Police Station OC Ariful Islam, Social Welfare Officer Manjurul Haque Kawsar, Upazila BNP Joint Convener and Shuvosangho Upazila Advisor Md Tuhin Mridha, Upazila BNP Joint Convener and Shuvosangho Advisor Md Tarikul Islam Tarzan, District Jamaat Shura and Working Committee Member Md Abdul Malek, Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Upazila President Mufti Omar Faruq Jihadi, journalist Md Zakir Hossain, and AKM Khairul Bashar Bulbul. Greetings were conveyed by Kalapara Upazila Representative Jasim Parvez and Amtali Upazila Representative Hayatuzzaman Miraj. The event was conducted by Atikur Rahman Miraj and Riazul Islam Emon, general secretaries of Kalapara and Amtali Shuvosangho branches, respectively.

Mili Secures Her Livelihood

“After Cyclone Sidr, national and international donor organisations arranged rehabilitation for the helpless people in the coastal region. But as the country progressed to middle-income status, donor support for human development and rehabilitation gradually shrank. With the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts, middle- and low-income rural people have become more dependent. Under the current pressure, there are shrinking opportunities to work on improving the lives of widowed, abandoned, and vulnerable women in rural economies.

In such circumstances, with the support of Bashundhara Group, sewing machines have been distributed to helpless coastal women after training. I have also received a sewing machine. I have not just received a machine—I have found a way to earn a living. In a society where no one stands by anyone, I have received economic security.”

These were the emotional words of Mili Begum, who broke down in tears as she spoke. Mili is a widowed woman from Purba Madhukhali village in Baliatali Union of Kalapara upazila. She had to leave her studies to get married. Mili said, “After my husband died, I worked as a road labourer under Danida and Caritas NGOs to provide for my two daughters and two sons. I also worked as a maid in homes in Kalapara town to get by. I’ve married off my two daughters. My eldest son has completed his honours degree. The younger son is set to take the SSC next year. I still work as a labourer. When I was desperate trying to cover my children’s education and family expenses, Bashundhara Shuvosangho identified me and gave me sewing training. I’ve started tailoring with the sewing machine. I’ll now earn to support my educated elder son’s job search and my younger son’s education. My children no longer allow me to work in other people’s homes. If I can do something for them, I’ll rest in peace even in death. With this sewing machine from Bashundhara, my new battle has begun. I am a widow—may Allah protect and bless those who have come forward to support my life and livelihood, Insha’Allah.”

Bashundhara Group Steps Forward for the Welfare of Humanity
Md Robiul Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Kalapara, Patuakhali

Kalapara is one of eight upazilas in Patuakhali district, covering 492.10 square kilometres. The region hosts several mega projects, including Payra Port, a thermal power plant, a three-dimensional naval base, a submarine landing station, a radar station, and the Kuakata tourist centre. Despite the government providing subsidies for land acquisition, many residents of the upazila remain dependent on others, lacking assets and income sources. Bashundhara Shuvosangho has selected women from such families to receive sewing training.

Bashundhara Group has provided sewing machines to extremely poor and helpless widows and abandoned women of Amtali and Kalapara after three months of training. On behalf of the Kalapara Upazila administration, we extend our sincere thanks. Though the government and various projects support countless vulnerable individuals in these two important upazilas—including widows, abandoned women, the disabled, and the underprivileged—it’s still not enough.

Bashundhara Group is an international-standard industrial entity that enhances the country’s image both at home and abroad through commercial ventures. It’s heartening to know that they are also contributing to humanitarian causes through Bashundhara Shuvosangho.

Rather than government or NGOs, Bashundhara Group—the country’s largest industrial group—has come forward for the rehabilitation of disadvantaged women. If other industrial companies did the same, the face of poverty in the country could be transformed. As the executive officer of Kalapara, I hope that Bashundhara Group will use Payra Port to operate commercial activities and establish industries in the region to create employment for those affected by climate change. This would create job opportunities for underprivileged men and women across the Barishal division. If income sources are ensured, the people here—who are simple, devout, and deeply spiritual—will keep praying for the owners and authorities of Bashundhara. May Allah accept their prayers. Above all, I wish continued success to Bashundhara Group in their humanitarian endeavours.

Bashundhara Group is Creating Opportunities for Women’s Self-Employment
Md Roknuzzaman Khan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Amtali, Barguna

Amtali is a coastal upazila in Barguna, where most people live below the poverty line. From a sense of social responsibility, Bashundhara Group has launched a commendable initiative to provide self-employment opportunities for the disadvantaged women in this area. Through this, many helpless families are now finding ways to meet basic needs and become self-reliant. Bashundhara Group’s contribution is not limited to industry and economy—they have set an exemplary standard in social responsibility, women’s empowerment, education, and humanitarian service.

Their noble initiative of aiding vulnerable coastal people through various support mechanisms to foster self-employment is unmatched. The donation of sewing machines to helpless women of Amtali and Kalapara after training is a key part of this initiative. When I was stationed in Patharghata upazila, I also saw Bashundhara Shuvosangho doing excellent work. I hope Bashundhara Group continues these noble initiatives in Amtali upazila. I wish continued success to Bashundhara Shuvosangho.

“I Knocked on Every Door to Survive”
Parul Rani Das

Fourteen years ago, I was in Class Eight at Bilbilash Secondary School in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali. That’s when I was married off due to family circumstances. Today, I am over 30 years old — still without a child in my arms.

We now live in the Orphanage area of Kalapara municipal town in Patuakhali. For unknown reasons, my physically able husband gradually lost his ability to earn and eventually became intellectually disabled. I had no choice but to become the sole breadwinner of our family. I worked as a domestic helper in multiple households and even ran a small tea stall, but none of it was enough to sustain us.

At present, I work as an office peon at a non-governmental organisation. Yet, our meagre income barely kept the household running. Struggling to afford basic necessities and often going hungry, I was sinking into despair — until Bashundhara Shuvosangho stepped in to offer me training in tailoring. After three months of training, on 17 May, Bashundhara Group provided sewing machines to 30 of us trainees, including me.

Now I sew clothes for women and children using this machine. In the past, I used to go door-to-door in times of need; today, people come to my door to have clothes made. I’ve reshaped myself to become that person. I pray to the Almighty for the well-being of the owners of Bashundhara Group. May they be granted the strength to help even more people. May they be blessed with health and continued success in business.

Bashundhara Group a Blessing for the Ultra-Poor
Md Tuhin Mridha, Member Secretary, BNP, Amtali Upazila

Members of ultra-poor families in Amtali upazila live in extreme hardship, struggling each day to feed their loved ones. Bashundhara Group has become a blessing to these helpless people. Out of a sense of social responsibility, their community platform Bashundhara Shuvosangho has stood beside disadvantaged women by offering free sewing training and machines, enabling them to become self-reliant.

I would urge others, like Bashundhara Group, to step forward and support helpless and impoverished women. Even a small initiative like this can help create employment and allow these women to live with a little more dignity.

A Commendable Initiative for Neglected Women
A. Malek, Former President, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Amtali Upazila Branch

The initiative taken by Bashundhara Group to empower poor women is highly commendable. Most people in this coastal region live below the poverty line. I believe that the way Bashundhara Group is working to support underprivileged and marginalised women will lead to a time when extreme poverty is eradicated from society. Day by day, people are becoming more aware and learning to stand on their own feet.

With determination, one sewing machine can support an entire household. I request those who received sewing training and machines from Bashundhara Shuvosangho to use them properly. You are fortunate — through this machine, you can earn money to sustain your family and become self-reliant. I hope Bashundhara Group will not end its involvement here but will continue supporting the ultra-poor in our area.

An Exemplary Act of Compassion
Mufti Omar Faruq Jihadi, President, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Amtali Upazila Branch

I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Bashundhara Group for providing free sewing training and machines to helpless and ultra-poor women in coastal areas through Bashundhara Shuvosangho. They have set a unique example of humanity by standing beside destitute women. The three-month training course helped them develop tailoring skills, and once they were ready to work, Bashundhara gifted each woman a sewing machine.

While many individuals have supported people through personal initiatives, Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s work felt uniquely impactful to me. It is truly worthy of praise. If more organisations follow Bashundhara Group’s lead in supporting the disadvantaged, the day will come when poverty will be a thing of the past. I wish success to Bashundhara Group and Shuvosangho in all their endeavours.

SOURCE : Daily Sun