Saiful Islam, from Faridpur’s Paikpara village, is an innovator.
The 32-year-old has recently built a solar powered amphibious bicycle – which can operate both on land and water – with parts collected and bought from local markets.
With his latest creation, Saiful, who holds a masters degree, was able to cross the mighty Padma River.
This feat of his has generated quite a buzz among locals in Faridpur.
While speaking to this correspondent, they voiced the hope that one day, with support from the government, Saiful’s creations would become household items at home and abroad.
Saiful’s long list of inventions include a bus, paddy harvester, motorcycle, drone, and a model rocket, among other things. Most of them are powered by solar energy.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune about his amphibious bicycle, Saiful said: “My bicycle has solar panels attached to it. The wheels have four round tubes attached that keep the cycle afloat.
“I don’t have to pedal the bicycle as it is powered by solar energy.”
It took Saiful six months to construct the bicycle. “I had to spend Tk30,000 on everything needed to build it,” he said.
When asked about his ongoing projects, Saiful said that he was working on building a solar powered speed boat that would also operate on land.
“I have a dream of making an amphibious plane,” he told this correspondent, stating that he has had to put his plan on hold due to a funds crisis.
Saiful urged the affluent to sponsor him so that he could make more solar based products for the betterment of humanity and nature. “I would have made more solar powered products only if I had some sort of financial support, be it from the government or from NGOs.”
Saiful's father Razzak Molla said: “My son is very talented. He started building innovative things when he was in primary school.
“But, as we are a middle class family, we are unable to support his dreams and passion. He works, earns for us, and also keeps creating new solar-based devices.”
Praising Saiful’s talent and perseverance, Bagat union parishad Chairman Md Matiar Rahman Khan said: “He is very talented. But he needs money and support to utilize his talents.”
Madhukhali upazila chairman Md Sahidul Islam, appreciating the young man’s endeavours, said: “Saiful is our pride. I pray for his success. We will try our best to help him if he contacts us.”
