This is a success story of four blind men, who have set examples in Shariatpur by overcoming their physical challenges and succeeding in their respective professions and contributors to positive social development.
Amir Hossain, a lawyer who advocates for women and children at the district judge court, is one such person who has gained popularity by following his dreams regardless of the obstacles, reports a correspondent from Shariatpur.
Hailing from Jabbar Ali Akhanerkandi village in Zajira upazila, Amir lost his sight to measles when he was three. He was a brilliant student, but being from a poor family he had to struggle to get to Chittagong University from where he graduated as a law student.
Teacher Abdul Malek He collected his law certificate from the Dhaka Bar Council and went back home and started his practice at Shariatpur Judge Court. There, he began his professional work by helping women and children who were victims of abuse get justice.
Amir Hossain said it was his dream to one day become an inspiration to all those with disabilities. “Being a lawyer is a noble profession. I wish to stand by women and children in need, those who are victims of repression and require legal aid.”
Singer Billal Hossain Abdul Malek, a teacher at North Kedarpur Government Primary School in Naria upazila, is another who is an emissary of light despite not being able to see.
Every single day Abdul enters the school and sits down with his laptop to plan his lessons. First, he enters the nursery class, where he teaches the little children with gentle loving care. After taking his class at grade four, he enters the next class to teach music.
Abdul, a graduate of Chittagong University, is a man of many talents. He can sing, is good with technology and knows handicraft.
Abdul Malek said with great confidence that he never considered himself handicapped. “I always thought of my handicap as strength and a motivation to move forward. I have set an example among those people in society who have trapped themselves in excuses. I learned music, handicraft and achieved higher education, so I could inspire everyone in society.
Billah Hossain was born with blindness in Dasarta village under Sadar upazila. He studied in a private school called PKS for people with disabilities.
Lawyer Amir HossainHe had a certain talent for singing and studied music at Shariatpur Shilpakala Academy. He now participates in various singing competitions across the country. Billah Hossain has become quite popular by singing on some private television channels as well.
Singer Billah Hossain said: “I’ve managed to show that people with handicaps aren’t liabilities to society. We also have dignity, rights, and a chance to prove ourselves. Many have turned their lives around by leaving behind their old ones filled with depression.
“My dream is to become an even bigger artiste and through songs change society for the better.”
The last man is a salesman, who plays the flute to attract customers to sell candies and flutes. Rafiq Munishi, from Bhuchura under Sadar upazila, lost his sight to typhoid when he was four.
Rafiq Munshi said he was keen to study but the family was a big one and so he never had the opportunity for education. “To earn for the family, I had to find work at an early age.”
“I chose to keep the flute with me so that I could enjoy work. I enjoy playing the flute and so do other people.”
