In 2001, tragedy struck Aminul Islam when a road accident forced him to amputate one of his legs, challenging his role as the sole breadwinner for his family. Despite finding himself with nothing to do and struggling to make ends meet after the accident, Aminul was determined not to be defeated.
Walking became a difficult task for him, but he persevered, practicing with a stretcher for over a year until he finally became accustomed. Throughout this strenuous process, drew strength from his dream of securing a brighter future for his family, especially his 4-year-old daughter.
A rough start
Residing in the flood-prone village of Jatrapur Union in Kurigram District, Bangladesh, Aminul confronted additional adversities.
Lacking a secondary school diploma, Aminul dropped out after the 7th year to support his family financially. Finding employment as a person with a disability was no easy feat, given that only one-third of working-age individuals with disabilities in Bangladesh are employed, and most are self-employed or involved in family businesses.
Fortunately, Aminul had some tailoring skills, albeit with limitations. Determined to provide a better future for his family, he worked as an apprentice, honing his skills over the years. In 2018, he took a bold step, opening his own tailoring shop with a loan of BDT 50,000 from a local NGO. Operating with a manual sewing machine due to budget constraints, he faced additional challenges, sewing by pressing through his amputated leg.
Kurigram District’s floods added to Aminul’s challenges. During the monsoon season, his shop’s location in the market frequently faced flooding or waterlogging, making it exceedingly difficult for Aminul to access his business. These natural disasters significantly reduced his earnings, making it arduous to repay the loan interest incurred in starting his shop.
Amid these hardships, Aminul faced isolation, lacking anyone with whom he could share his struggles. Recounting his experiences, he stated, “I faced a challenging situation where my family, relatives, and neighbors held unfavorable opinions about me, offering little to no support. Life was tough, and I struggled to make ends meet.”
Brighter future unfolding
In 2021, Aminul’s story took a positive turn as he decided to join a self-help group affiliated with the Putting Persons with Disabilities at the Centre of Humanitarian Preparedness and Response (PPDCHP&R) Project, implemented by the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD). Within this group, Aminul found a supportive community of like-minded people who shared similar struggles.
“Following my involvement within CDD, I underwent various training sessions and participated in awareness programs that enlightened me about the rights of persons with disabilities,” shared Aminul.
The self-help group served as a catalyst for Aminul, offering a fresh start and opportunities for learning, growth, and disaster preparedness. Regular meetings equipped him with essential skills to protect himself and others during disasters like flooding. Additionally, a one-time unconditional support of BDT 16,000 from the CDD project, coupled with his personal investment, enabled him to expand his business by acquiring an electric sewing machine.
Expressing gratitude, Aminul stated, “Thanks to CDD’s project, I received a sewing machine, and now I earn an average of BDT 300-400 per day. This newfound income significantly improved my circumstances, making me more self-sufficient.”
Today, as Aminul witnesses his dreams gradually materializing, he not only has the opportunity to promise a brighter future for his daughter but also the potential to turn that promise into reality.
Aminul’s story shows the resilience and determination of people with disabilities in the face of adversity. It underscores the significance of finding supportive communities, particularly for those in disaster-prone areas, to acquire practical skills and navigate uncertainties.
