Physically challenged yet indomitable
A physically challenged by birth, Md Afzal Hosain of Pattai village in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila has set a laudable example of self-reliance and benevolent service through determination and hard work.
Afzal, 34, was born without the right hand and a deformed and weak left hand.
Many would expect such a man to depend on others and set their expectations low in terms of anything they can deliver.
But, Afzal proves otherwise.
He passed Kamil (equivalent to master’s) from Jamia Islamia Darul Ulum Madrasa in Bishwanath upazila of Sylhet in 2006.
Afterwards he completed a course at a government-run organisation to qualify for running a pharmacy and received technical training under the government’s youth development programme in Sylhet.
“In 2010, I opened a pharmacy at my village bazaar. Now I am running the shop along with Flexiload business here,” he said.
Afzal keeps his pharmacy open even during rain or cold, said Md Salauddin, a resident of the area.
Visiting his pharmacy at Pattai on an afternoon a few days ago, this correspondent found Afzal attending customers.
“I give medicines for free to ultra-poor people when they have serious problems. I want no one to die without medicine or primary treatment,” he added.
Afzal, fourth among six siblings, lost his father when he was a third grader.
Syed Ashfak H Tanvir, general secretary of Robirbazar club (a local welfare organization), said Afzal is very sincere in his work and inspiration for others, especially the challenged ones like him.
Shafi Ahmed Solman, chairman of Kulaura Upazila Parishad, said, “Although physically challenged, Afzal is mentally very strong and does his work diligently.”
Comments