Harijan student among 36 women receives sewing machines in Gaibandha

Aloradha, a young woman from the traditionally neglected Harijan community, and 35 other women from different backgrounds received free sewing machines from Bashunhdara Group at an event in Gaibandha Sadar Upazila on Sunday.

The distribution event was held at the Gaibandha Chamber of Commerce and Industry conference hall. The 36 destitute women recipients, hailed from Gaibandha Sadar, Fulchhari, and Sadullapur upazilas.

Aloradha is currently a second-year honours student. Despite battling poverty and social discrimination, she has refused to give up. With her father working as a sanitation worker, supporting the education of three daughters on his limited income was an uphill battle.

She has by now married a small shop owner, but the business struggles due to social discrimination and neglect. As a result, the family finds it difficult to make ends meet.

Aloradha said, "This sewing machine from Bashundhara Shuvosangho is not just a machine to me—it is a symbol of hope for a new life. Now I will be able to work from home, contribute to my family's income, and continue my education."

The sewing machines were distributed by renowned author, Bashundhara Group Adviser, and Bashundhara Shuvosangho Chief Imdadul Haq Milon as the chief guest. The programme was presided over and moderated by Amitabh Das Himun, district correspondent of Kaler Kantho and president of the Gaibandha Press Club. The women, who had completed three months of free training and acquired sewing skills, were overwhelmed with emotion upon receiving the machines.

Among others present at the programme were Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Yadav Sarkar, Gaibandha District BNP General Secretary Mahmudunnabi Titul, and Officer-in-Charge of Gaibandha Sadar Police Station Abdullah Al Mamun.

The programme was coordinated by Bashundhara Shuvosangho members Humayun Ahmed Biplob, Ahsania Tasnim, Sumaiya Akter, Samiul Basir, Ahsan Azim Pradhan, Touhidul Islam, and Afia Eva, among others.