Bashundhara empowers 100 women with sewing machines in Lalmonirhat

One hundred women from five upazilas of Lalmonirhat have received sewing machines as gifts from Bashundhara Group after completing three months of free training, opening up new opportunities for them to become financially self-reliant and contribute to their families.

“I am happy, extremely happy. I cannot express how wonderful I feel today. One of my dreams has come true. I will now be able to earn money from home, contribute to my family and support the education of my three children,” said housewife Sajeda Begum with emotion.

She was speaking at the Lalmonirhat District Council Auditorium on 25 October after receiving a sewing machine as a gift from Bashundhara Group. Sajeda hails from Bhotemari in Kaliganj upazila.

Like Sajeda, many other women saw their dreams come true through the initiative of the country's leading industrial conglomerate. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Bashundhara Group and Bashundhara Shuvosangho for providing them with the opportunity to become self-reliant.

Under the initiative aimed at empowering financially disadvantaged women, 100 women from five upazilas of Lalmonirhat were formally handed over one sewing machine each.

Before distributing the machines, Bashundhara Shuvosangho arranged three months of free sewing training for the beneficiaries to help them develop practical skills and become self-employed.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muha. Rashedul Haque Pradhan attended the distribution ceremony as the chief guest, while District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque was present as a special guest.

Novelist Imdadul Haque Milon, chief of Bashundhara Shuvosangho and adviser to Bashundhara Group, also attended the programme.

Among others, Bashundhara Shuvosangho Director Zakaria Zaman, Lalmonirhat Shuvosangho advisers Principal Entazur Rahman and Sunil Kumar Sutradhar, its President Jamal Hossain and General Secretary Naim Islam addressed the event.

Lalmonirhat Shuvosangho adviser Tanmoy Ahmed Nayan moderated the programme.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Muha. Rashedul Haque Pradhan said the initiative to make so many women self-reliant at a time was inspiring.

“I appreciate the nationwide initiatives of Shuvosangho. Its activities are also accelerating government efforts. Perhaps no one has distributed so many sewing machines at a time in the history of Lalmonirhat. Such initiatives by Bashundhara, alongside government efforts, will help the country move forward,” he said.

District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque praised Bashundhara Group for standing beside people in need.

“The initiative truly deserves appreciation. Bashundhara works for people in different ways throughout the year. This is a significant contribution to the country,” he said.

Imdadul Haque Milon said Bashundhara Group had distributed sewing machines among another 100 women in Lalmonirhat for the second time.

“This is a matter of joy for us. We also provide scholarships to 3,000 students who cannot continue their education due to financial constraints. Bashundhara Shuvosangho has libraries in several parts of the country. Shuvosangho and Bashundhara Group are always working for people and standing beside those in need,” he said.

He encouraged the women who had received sewing machines to use their newly acquired skills not only to earn a living but also to train other women in sewing.

“After completing your training, you can help many more women become skilled in sewing alongside pursuing your own work. Women can move forward in every field. I hope you will also move ahead with confidence and determination,” he added.

For some beneficiaries, the sewing machines have brought renewed hope of continuing their education.

Himu Akter, from the riverside area of Mahishkhocha in Aditmari upazila, said her college education was on the verge of being discontinued due to financial hardship.

“Just when I was about to give up my studies because of poverty, Bashundhara Shuvosangho came forward to help me. I can now earn money by sewing clothes for others and continue my education. I am very grateful to Bashundhara,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Shiuli Rani, said she had been struggling to run her family with her ailing husband and children.

“It was my strong desire to do something to support my family. Bashundhara Shuvosangho has given me that opportunity. I am grateful to Bashundhara,” she said.