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Shahabuddin
Construction Worker
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Photo: Salman Rob
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"When a person is faced with hunger, he or she would do anything to have food in his stomach,” says Shahabuddin, a 20-year-old construction worker. Shahabuddin finished his school and college in his hometown of Chapainawabganj. He says, “I passed all my exams properly and still I could not find a proper job near my hometown and as my family was going through a rough patch I had to do something quick. So I came to Dhaka looking for a job. I ended up with an under-qualified one. I worked as a laboratory technician where I took samples and test rocks, water etc.”
“I got paid per day and to be honest, it was not enough for me. Since I am the only earning member in the family, I am barely left with anything for myself. There were many days when I worked by just having a banana and a piece of bread for breakfast and dinner and nothing at all for lunch,” says Shahabuddin.
Do construction workers have any specific working hours? Shahabuddin clarifies that by adding, “There is no specific schedule in this job. My work usually starts at 5 am in the morning and ends late at night. There are times where I come back home after midnight. On a regular day, we work for 12 hours a day.”
Speaking of family, Shahabuddin mentions, “I have two brothers -- an elder brother who is unemployed and a younger brother who is still studying. My father has a small clothing business. But like I said, to feed a family of five, a small clothing store in the outskirts is never enough. I feel sorry for all that my family goes through and after working for 2 or 3 months, going to see them for a couple of days is what I highly anticipate.”
Shahabuddin wishes to work in the government service sector someday so that he can have the chance to keep his family closer to him. He also wishes education was made more easily accessible. He hopes Bangladesh can be a literate country someday.
By Salman Rob
Mahboob Ahmed Khan
Staff
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Photo: Salman Rob |
Next time you visit the Dhanmondi branch of Pizza Hut, a young enthusiast proudly wearing three expert badges on his uniform will surely catch your eyes. This 24-year-old man is a passionate member of the Pizza Hut team who contributes to three different sections, having gained expertise over all of them by working heart and soul for the last three years. His name is Mahboob Ahmed Khan.
Today he is not only satisfied but thrilled and feels confident than ever in doing this job. Losing his father just before the SSC exams, he finally passed it in the year 2000 from Rangpur. Physical sickness put a stop to his studies for three years and at that time Mahboob, along with a few friends, established a kindergarten school. He used to work for the administration, coordinating teachers and collecting text books. The school is now fully established.
After completing his HSC exams, Mahboob came to Dhaka and got into the Department of History at Dhaka College. Before joining Pizza Hut, he worked on projects for ad agencies. He was also involved with an event management firm through which he worked for victims of SIDR.
When he finally went for a job interview at Pizza Hut, the interviewer took note of his IQ and his ability to speak both in Bangla and English. Mahboob says, “I had some physical weakness but this job helped me get over my problems. The environment suits me and I love what I do. The trainings on service, table making, dough section, pasta section and cash have made me an all rounder. I believe learning is the main force in life. I started as a waiter but now I have achieved three expert pins of services.”
He states that most of the workers here are very culturally aware. He has a knack for reading books of different subjects. “I am not very ambitious. I believe if I do what I love, success will surely come. Everyone has to start from the basics. I am a different person now. I have just finished my Honours final exam. I used to work here 9 hours a day but never felt intimidated as the work pressure was eased by the cooperation of my team members.” He wishes to stick to the business of chain restaurants and utilise his experiences by doing something on his own.”
By Promiti Prova Chowdhury
Jony Kuri
Peon
Even though he hails from Noakhali, Jony Kuri speaks in the colloquial language, in the accent of the Dhakaites. “Thanks go to the 'tempo' of Dhaka city that has added this extra charm to my personality,” says Jony, a meritorious student and currently a peon at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).
19-year-old Jony passed his SSC exams from Lakshmipur with GPA 4.60 in Commerce. His father passed away when he was studying in the fifth grade. Up to his college years (Classes 11 and 12) at the Lakshmipur Government College, he was dependent on his elder brother. It was the second year in college when he felt a strong urge within himself to grow independent. So just after passing his HSC exams with a GPA 4.60, in May 2011 he came to Dhaka to do a university admission coaching. Through a friend he got the job at ULAB. He works 8 hours a day and goes to his coaching classes after work. When asked why he is doing the job he says that here he has to live on his own. He does not want to push his brother or mother into paying his expenses. He is a grown up now and heading towards a specific goal. For that he has to do something at present just for survival. Besides, he does private tutoring which adds to his income.
“From these seven months of experience I have learned a lot. Working at a university is a different feeling. The students are friendly and I love observing them and talking to them. When I am free I sit in the computer lab to check emails and practice Microsoft office. I have learnt how to operate a projector. I have also learned how to talk to different people. All these are improving my social skills,” says Jony.
Though he was in the waiting list in the Law faculty at Jahangirnagar University, ultimately he did not get selected. So currently he is planning to get admitted at the Law faculty of University of Asia Pacific (UAP). The recommendation from his current job will greatly help him to get a tuition waiver at UAP, asserts Jony.
The side of Jony which unfolds a complete different side to him is his passion for music. He was the champion in an inter college singing competition held at Lakshmipur. He won prizes in three categories; Adhunik (modern), Deshattobodhok (patriotic) and Harano diner gaan (songs from the yesteryears). He was the cultural secretary in the Durga Puja celebrations at Lakshmipur. He has learned singing from his mother and plans to participate in singing competitions on TV.
By Promity Prova Chowdhury