PM Tarique Rahman meets three inspiring people making a difference in society

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has met three people who have made a difference in their communities through education and environmental initiatives, praising their contributions and assuring them of support for their work.

Buet graduate Nayla Sharaf, who chose to teach at a government primary school; Md Altaf Hossain, who established a school despite being born without both hands; and Rezaul Kibria Babul, who has planted thousands of trees on his own initiative, met the prime minister at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat today (14 October).

The three became emotional during the meeting as the prime minister listened to their life struggles and community initiatives, according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Press Wing.

"People like you are greatly needed to build the country. If everyone comes forward like you, nation-building will become easier," Tarique Rahman said.

Nayla Sharaf shared her unconventional career journey with the prime minister. After graduating from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), she joined the Local Government Engineering Department as an assistant engineer before working as an officer at Janata Bank.

Although she qualified for the 34th Bangladesh Civil Service examination, she chose not to enter government service and instead pursued teaching. She has been teaching at Panchananpur Government Primary School in Netrokona for the past seven years.

To make learning easier, particularly for disadvantaged children, she develops her own teaching materials and digital content.

Altaf Hossain, from Panchdona in Narsingdi, was born without both hands but learned to write using his feet. In 2007, he established Protibha Dukhu Mia Kindergarten School using his savings and proceeds from selling ancestral land.

The school now has 145 students and 10 teachers. Hossain continues to write with his feet while managing the institution's activities.

After hearing his story, the prime minister assured him that a new building would be constructed for the school.

Babul, from Charfesson in Bhola, has spent nearly three decades planting thousands of trees along roads using his own money and labour, while also serving as an imam at a mosque.

After selling ancestral property to establish a nursery, he began planting seedlings grown there in different areas. Many of the trees have since matured, providing shade for passers-by.

The prime minister praised all three for their contributions, saying individual initiatives for the welfare of society and the country play an important role and can inspire others to engage in similar work.

He encouraged them to continue their initiatives and assured them of the government's support.