Physical challenge no barrier for Mistar Ali

Defying the tragedy of losing both legs, Nofiz Uddin Pramanik of Hat Fulbari Paschimpara village in Sariakandi upazila under the district has set a laudable example of self-reliance through determination and hard work.

Nofiz Uddin, 68, earlier used to pull rickshaw in Bogra town but his left and right legs had to be amputated due to infections from road accidents in 1982 and 1987 respectively, said Nofiz, locally well-known as Mistar Ali.

"But my husband did not admit defeat in the struggle of life. He started making brooms. With the money earned by selling it, he maintained the family," said Ali's wife Belly Begum.

"He also learnt to make cradles for children, hand fans, containers for carrying different goods, and other household materials with bamboo splits," she added.

"Later with the capital managed through loans from NGOs, he started making the materials in larger quantities and earned well by selling them at Naruamela, Fulbari, Durgahata, Baiguni and Hat Fulbari markets in the upazila.

"By the time, he bought a CNG-run auto-rickshaw for our elder son Bitul. As we gained solvency, we arranged marriage of our only daughter Bilkis Begum. Our younger son Feroz read up to HSC," she added.

"Mistar Ali has defied physical challenge to gain self-reliance. We will provide financial support if he wants to extend his business," said Md Abdur Rashid, upazila social service officer of Sariakandi.