Bashundhara Shuvosangho has distributed sewing machines free of cost to 15 underprivileged women in Monpura upazila of Bhola, creating opportunities for their self-employment and economic empowerment.

The event was held on Thursday at the Monpura Ideal Academy Auditorium, where the women also expressed their gratitude upon receiving sewing machines from the Bashundhara Group’s social organisation.

BNP’s Monpura upazila unit Senior Vice-President Abdul Khalek Selim Molla, Bashundhara Shuvosangho Director Zakaria Zaman, Bashundhara Foundation Senior Officer Md Mamun, Monpura upazila unit Jubo Dal’s former president Jobayed Hasan Rajib Chowdhury and its incumbent convener, Md Shamsuddin Molla, Monpura upazila unit Shuvosangho Adviser Md Mozammel Haq Raju, NCP’s Monpura upazila unit Chief Coordinator Md Nurunnabi, Monpura upazila unit Chhatra Dal’s former president Abul Kalam Azad and its Convening Committee member, Md Sohel Taj, were present.

Samia Begum, a student of Monoara Begum Mohila College in Monpura, said, “I am thankful to Bashundhara Group for this sewing machine. Due to my family’s financial difficulties, it was becoming hard to manage my educational expenses.

“In this situation, I am very happy to receive a sewing machine today after completing free sewing training through Bashundhara Shuvosangho. This machine will help me continue my education while also providing a way to earn for myself,” she added.

Rina Begum, a resident of the Ramnawaz area, said, “As my husband is a fisherman, it has been difficult to cover our children’s educational expenses with his earnings. By receiving a sewing machine from Bashundhara Group, I will also be able to earn and support my family, as well as cover my children’s educational expenses. I am grateful to the chairman of Bashundhara Group for this opportunity.”

BNP leader Abdul Khalek said, “Bashundhara Shuvosangho is working for underprivileged people across the country. These initiatives are highly commendable. The women who received sewing machines today will be able to become self-reliant by using them. I sincerely thank Bashundhara Shuvosangho for their efforts.”

Former Jubo Dal leader Jobayed Hasan said that through Shuvosangho’s sewing machines, rural women are getting the opportunity to become self-reliant, which is truly commendable.

Shuvosangho Director Zakaria Zaman said the organisation has always stood by and supported ordinary people.

“The distribution of sewing machines is a major initiative of Bashundhara Shuvosangho. Through this sewing training and sewing machines, Bashundhara Group has taken the initiative to empower underprivileged women to become self-reliant.”

Monpura upazila unit Shuvosangho President Fazle Rabbi Rimon presided over the event, which was also attended by its general secretary, Abdur Rahman Shoyeb, and organising secretary, Tamzid Ahmed Samir, among others.