Sajin Ahmed Kawshik, hailing from Chandpur's Matlab upazila, has earned the distinction of being the first Bangladeshi to become a member of the Juventude Socialista (Socialist Youth), the youth organization of Portugal's Socialist Party.
Kawshik's panel won the held political council of the organization and he was elected as a member of the executive body held on November 24. There, he was elected as the Immigration Secretary in the youth assembly by the vote of all the executive body members.
This is the first time in the political history of Portugal that a Bangladeshi youth has been elected as a member of the executive body of the Portuguese Youth Socialist Party. João Pereira, president of the Lisbon metropolitan branch of the party, made this announcement at the political council held at the Socialist Party office in Lisbon.
João Pereira said: "Immigrants deserve equal rights like everyone else. Sajin is a wonderful person and will take this work forward."
From his early years, Sajin harbored a deep desire to connect with people, feeling their pain as if it were his own. He gets this inspiration from his father, MA Quddus, who is a freedom fighter and also the current Matlab upazila chairman, and dedicates his body of work to his family.
During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sajin, despite being in Hungary for his study, founded the "Helpline Matlab."
This initiative provided essential emergency services such as telemedicine, oxygen, ambulances, and food supply, catering to the needs of over 5,000 people.
Helpline Matlab not only offered crucial services but also established an oxygen bank and ambulance service, with two dedicated doctors supporting the cause. Sajin’s selfless dedication during the pandemic showcased the power of community and inspired those around him.
Post-Covid, Sajin embarked on a new chapter in Portugal, where he started a small business. His interest in politics, cultivated during his tenure as an assistant secretary of the Bangladesh Students League central committee, found a new focus in Portugal.
Discovering a substantial Bangladeshi immigrant community, Sajin recognized the need to advocate for their concerns within the Portuguese political landscape.
With unwavering determination, he joined the Portuguese Socialist Party and became an integral part of its youth wing. After persistent efforts, Sajin achieved a significant milestone -- he was elected as the Immigration Secretary of the Socialist Youth for Lisbon City.
This accomplishment marked a historic moment as the first Bangladeshi to hold such a position, allowing him to effectively voice the challenges faced by immigrants.
As he navigates the realm of Portuguese politics, Sajin stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring power of service, compassion, and the pursuit of a better world for all.
"Despite being in Hungary for my education, I returned to Bangladesh to actively contribute to helping my community during the challenging times of the pandemic," Sajin recollected.
"After the COVID-19 situation, I relocated to Portugal and initiated my career with a small business. My interest in politics, stemming from my political ties back in Bangladesh, led me to explore the political landscape in Portugal. Discovering a significant number of Bangladeshi immigrants in Portugal, I
recognized the importance of connecting with a political party that is supportive of immigrants."
"I am dedicated to living for society, prioritizing the well-being of people over personal wealth. My commitment is driven by a desire to receive unconditional love and respect through meaningful service to the community."
Sajin now aspires to become a bridge between immigrants and the Portuguese to facilitate the future of all immigrants, and develop mutual relations.
