In the peaceful bylanes of Barishal Sadar, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle, the afternoon sun bathes the surroundings in a gentle warmth, casting a serene spell on this pre-winter day. Amid this tranquility, my attention is captivated by an unconventional sight – a unique two-wheeler approaching. As it draws nearer, I discern a man skillfully pedaling with his hands, steering his distinct cycle. He comes to a halt in front of a modest roadside shop, gracefully dismounts his cycle, opens the shop and enters into it.
The simplicity of this act becomes a magnet for the community, and soon, a small gathering forms. People converge at the shop, not just for routine transactions, but to witness the resilience and resourcefulness embodied by the man with no legs, turning the modest spot into a heartwarming focal point for both commerce and inspiration.
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With a radiant smile illuminating his face, Rony Hawlader shares, "People shower me with love. The moment I open my shop, they gather around. I'm a person who spreads love to everyone." Rony, a resilient entrepreneur, is not defined by his physical challenges but by his spirit.
As a Nagad Uddokta, a renowned mobile financial service in Bangladesh, Rony's journey began with overcoming the adversity of losing his legs to polio shortly after birth. His life narrates a story of persistent struggles, but Rony, undeterred, pressed on. Fortune smiled upon him when Nagad became a steadfast ally.
Rony's narrative is not an isolated one; across the nation, countless individuals with disabilities have triumphed over obstacles, and Nagad has played a pivotal role in their success stories. By offering opportunities for them to become agents, fostering independence, and breaking free from reliance on others, Nagad has become a catalyst for change. In times when support seemed elusive, Nagad stepped forward, becoming a beacon of empowerment for those often marginalized in society.
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On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we shine a light on the extraordinary achievements and success stories that emerge in the face of adversity. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the nationwide count of individuals with disabilities stands at approximately 48 lakh, with a significantly higher prevalence in villages than in urban areas. Astonishingly, 59 percent of them abandon their education before completing primary levels, while 75 percent face barriers in passing higher secondary education. This substantial portion of the population finds themselves marginalised and often left trailing at society's outskirts.
Consider Rony's journey — a testament to resilience amidst adversity. Stricken with polio during childhood, he lost both his legs, leading to a disheartening lack of responsibility from others. Deprived of parental love, Rony was raised by his maternal grandmother, navigating life with a makeshift roadside shop and odd jobs in others' stores. Despite his relentless efforts, hardship remained a constant companion.
However, a turning point came when Rony embraced the role of a Nagad Uddokta. Through sheer determination and the support of Nagad, his life took a transformative turn. Today, Rony not only sustains his small shop but has diversified to sell additional items. Reflecting on his journey, Rony attributes this positive change to Nagad, emphasising the platform's popularity due to its minimal charges compared to other Mobile Financial Service (MFS) providers. "People prefer Nagad because it charges the lowest among other MFS providers. So, after becoming a Nagad agent, I easily got many customers. And this is how my life has changed," he added. Becoming a Nagad agent not only expanded his customer base but, in his words, fundamentally altered the trajectory of his life.
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Kabir Hossain, a resident of Narayanganj's Fatullah, has transformed his life in a similar vein. With immobile legs and battling heart disease, a man once shunned by society has defied the odds, charting a course to self-reliance, all thanks to the support of his wife and Nagad.
In the face of societal neglect, Kabir refused to succumb to idleness, realising he had the power to shape his own destiny. He took the initiative to establish a shop and become a Nagad agent, proclaiming, "I don't want to be a burden to anyone. I want to do something of my own. Nagad gave me that opportunity. I've now become self-dependent."
His shop, now not only a beacon of resilience but a hub of diverse services, includes computer and mobile accessories, with Kabir himself engaging in computer work. This transformative journey has brought newfound joy to Kabir and his wife, who play an integral role in his daily activities.
Kabir's spouse notes, "My husband initiated a shop and became a Nagad Uddokta. This choice has not only altered our lives but liberated us from relying on others."
Together, Kabir and his wife stand as a testament to the transformative power of determination and the opportunities afforded by Nagad.