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Nur Alam
Rickshaw Puller
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The 32-year-old rickshaw puller has been pulling rickshaws for the last 10 years. The first two years was spent cycling in Demra, while the last eight years were spent within Uttara.
“Feeding a family of four only by pulling a rickshaw is not easy,” says Alam. He adds, “I go to my hometown, Mymensingh at the end of each month to work with my father in our farm and earn some extra money.”
Each day, Alam has to earn around Tk 300 to Tk 400. He says, “It is very difficult, especially at night when it gets really cold and I don't have much to cover myself with. The thought of my two children at home keeps me warm and going strong. After a whole day of toiling, I try to take something home for my children -- usually chocolates or ice cream. They wait for their treat eagerly. At the end of the day, all the work I am doing is for them.”
“My family went through a severe money crisis 11 years ago, when I decided to leave school and help. Even though a lot of people tell me I should not have left school since I used to be a very bright student, I do not regret the fact that I left. I had to, for my family. It was heartbreaking to see my mother skipping her dinner so we would have something to eat,” says Alam.
Nowadays whenever Alam visits his parents, he always takes something for his mother. His mother still saves the best item of food for Alam when he visits. With teary eyes Alam concludes, “I know I cannot join a more noble profession; if I do, I would have had the opportunity to see my mother lead the life she deserves to live.”
By Salman Rob
Sumit Prasad Chowdhury
Shift Manager
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26-year-old Sumit Prasad Chowdhury, the current Shift Manager at the Dhanmondi branch of the popular eatery Pizza Hut had always believed in self help. He was studying in Class 8 in Chittagong when his father passed away. The youngest, amongst two brothers, he used to contribute to the family income through private tutoring. During his college years, he was involved in the marketing of a telecom brand, which included door to door campaigns, SIM card selling and volunteering for fairs and concerts.
Sumit started working at the Chittagong outlet of Pizza Hut back in 2007. It took him 4 years to reach the post of Manager. So how was his journey from the kitchen to management? “The best thing about working here are the periodical trainings. I was trained about the food line which has three different sections. I then shifted to the accounts section as a cashier. After working as a cashier for 7 months I was called upon for the post of a Manager. After being interviewed by the Head of the board I got the position. The duty of a manager basically compiles of all the skills gained from previous trainings, from preparing tables, looking after the team members to taking orders, serving guests, checking official mails and looking after the cash counter -- all as a supervisor. I came to Dhaka with this designation in 2010 after completing my undergraduate degree from Omor Gani M E S College in Chittagong.”
Currently Sumit is pursuing his MBA at University of Information Technology and Science (UITS). Besides his job, he sings and plays the violin. He is learning western classical form of the violin and is enthusiastic about fashion houses. “This place (Pizza Hut) has a cultural vibe which suits me a lot. A job is not just a way to make money; one also needs to be satisfied with the work- environment. “Success can be achieved only when one truly enjoys his work,” believes Sumit.
By Promiti Prova Chowdhury
Shuvo
Laundry boy
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Photo: Salman Rob |
"It has been 26 years since I came to Dhaka,” says Shuvo who has been working in a laundry store ever since. Shuvo has a speech problem. He says, “When people asked me what my name was, I simply answered Shuvo. As time passed, I actually forgot what my surname was.”
Talking about work, Shuvo adds, “I start working at 8 am in the morning and usually get done by 11 pm. I never have to worry about going home because I stay in the laundry store. I am very happy here, although with the way the cost of food is rising, I don't know for how long I can keep doing this going. 5 years ago, I used to have all my meals of the day within Tk 60 to Tk 70 but now I spend at least Tk150 for my meals every day.”
“I haven't been to my village since I came to Dhaka 26 years ago. Some people say I would lose my way while going there and some say by now, my family has forgotten all about me. But I think when the right time comes, I will go back and make my family proud,” says Shuvo.
When asked about his future plans, Shuvo says, “Someday I want to open my own laundry shop and buy a house for myself. Being a laundry boy is something I love and I don't see myself being anything else.”
By Salman Rob