On the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the Bangladesh NGO Foundation (BNF), Nari Unnayan Shakti organized a discussion session titled "Sharing Stories of Empowerment and Success by Destitute Women Members" on 2 December at the organisation's Banasree Training Center. Under the BNF-NUS project, beneficiary women shared their life struggles, progress, and achievements with all attendees. The Bangladesh NGO Foundation provided support for this event.
Dr. Afroja Parvin, Executive Director of Nari Unnayan Shakti, presided over the programme. In her remarks, she said: "Women's development becomes truly sustainable only when they can stand on their own abilities and earn an income. NUS has been working toward that goal, and today's stories of success are the real outcomes of those efforts."
The chief guest, Dr. Sultan Mahmud Razzak, Executive Director of the Forum for Culture and Human Development, stated, "With a small amount of capital and proper guidance, women can bring significant changes to society-this project by Nari Unnayan Shakti is a practical example of that."
Beneficiaries Nupur Akter and Jesmin presented inspiring accounts of the positive transformations in their lives.
Nupur Akter, a survivor of dowry-related violence and divorce, shared, "In my time of crisis, I received support from Nari Unnayan Shakti and started a business with a small amount of capital. I sell clothes in two local markets as well as online. Today, I am a successful clothing seller. With my own income, I rent an apartment and live safely with my child, and I can now bear his educational expenses."
Beneficiary Jesmin said, "With support from Nari Unnayan Shakti, I began by selling puffed rice from a large bowl placed on a small stand. Later, I managed to open a food stall. Now I sell haleem, chotpoti, alur dom, fuchka, noodles, and various other items. Though I endured difficult times raising my three children, today I am self-reliant. From the earnings of my shop, I bought four rickshaws and run a garage-our life is now much happier."
Such initiatives by Nari Unnayan Shakti play a significant role in strengthening the economic independence, self-confidence, and social standing of underprivileged women. The Bangladesh NGO Foundation-an institution under the Ministry of Finance-has been supporting Nari Unnayan Shakti since 2007 in promoting women's self-reliance and preventing violence against women.
In another function , 27th National and 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025, Sur Sudha Sangeetayon organized a discussion session, a cultural programme, and the closing ceremony of a special nationwide music and recitation competition for persons with disabilities. The event was held at 4/9 Humayun Road, Mohammadpur in the capital recentlty with the aim of encouraging the mental strength, cultural talents, and social inclusion of visually impaired individuals.
"Visually impaired individuals are an asset to our country. Their creativity, talent, and mental resilience enrich our society. Therefore, it is essential to value their every achievement and ability as part of national progress."
The distinguished guests highlighted the importance of ensuring the rights, dignity, social participation, and skill development of visually impaired individuals. They stated that with proper care, appropriate opportunities, and a positive social mindset, persons with disabilities can become one of the nation's greatest strengths. They also expressed their commitment and expectation to stand beside Sur Sudha Sangeetayon and support the advancement and empowerment of visually impaired artists. Antara Das presented Sur Sudha Sangeetayon with a portable hard disk to preserve the organization's necessary documents and photographs.
Prizes were distributed among the winners of the nationwide music and recitation competition for visually impaired participants.
