Staff Reporter : Bashundhara Group has brought new hope to disadvantaged women, including members of indigenous communities, by providing sewing training and free sewing machines to help them become self-reliant in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha.
For Kajoli Marde of Jugiapara village in Katabari union, the sewing machine represents more than a livelihood tool. Her husband earns a modest income by driving a van, leaving the family struggling to cover daily expenses and the educational costs of their three daughters.
Although Kajoli already had basic sewing skills, she could not earn an income because she could not afford a sewing machine. After receiving additional training through Bashundhara Shuvosangho and a sewing machine from Bashundhara Group, she now plans to support her family and finance her daughters’ education.
“I always wanted to earn through sewing and contribute to my children’s education, but I could not buy a machine because of financial hardship. Now I can work from home and support my family,” she said.
Kajoli was among 20 disadvantaged women who received sewing machines and two saplings each at a recent programme held at the Gobindaganj Upazila Auditorium.
Renowned novelist, Bashundhara Group Adviser and Chief of Bashundhara Shuvosangho Imdadul Haq Milon attended the programme as the chief guest.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Tamshid Iram Khan, Officer-in-Charge of Gobindaganj Police Station Muhammad Mozammel Haque, Gobindaganj Upazila BNP Convener Faruk Ahmed, Municipal BNP President Robiul Kabir Monu and several other local officials, political leaders, journalists and social workers also attended the event.
Addressing the programme, Imdadul Haq Milon said Bashundhara Group launched the sewing machine distribution initiative to help disadvantaged women achieve financial independence.
“If a woman can earn from home, her entire family benefits. We hope these sewing machines will become tools for self-reliance and improve the economic condition of the recipients’ families,” he said.
He also urged the beneficiaries to care for the saplings distributed alongside the sewing machines, saying both economic empowerment and environmental protection should go hand in hand.
Tamshid Iram Khan praised Bashundhara Group for selecting Gobindaganj for the initiative and said the inclusion of indigenous women deserved special appreciation.
“The training and sewing machines will create self-employment opportunities and improve the living standards of the beneficiaries. Bashundhara Group’s humanitarian initiative has inspired us,” he said.
Faruk Ahmed described the programme as a unique initiative for disadvantaged people, while Robiul Kabir Monu praised Bashundhara Group and Bashundhara Shuvosangho for their welfare activities across the country.
District BNP Joint General Secretary Sanowar Hossain Dipu said the sewing machines would open new income opportunities for beneficiaries, while the saplings would promote environmental awareness.
Indigenous leader Emily Hembrom thanked Bashundhara Group for standing beside neglected indigenous communities.
“Very few people come forward to support our community. Bashundhara Group has proved that humanity still exists. The women who received sewing machines will now be able to support their families with dignity,” she said.
After completing a three-month training course under Bashundhara Shuvosangho, the beneficiaries returned home with sewing machines and saplings, determined to build a better future for their families.