My name is Md. Nasim Uddin. I come from a lower middle-class family in a remote area of Maheshpur Upazila in Jhenaidah District. My father was not financially able to bear the cost of my education. However, with the talent granted by Allah and my own determination, I continued my studies. By working in the fields with my father and doing private tutoring, I managed to pass the Higher Secondary Examination with a GPA-5.

Despite my father’s poor financial condition, my strong desire for higher education brought me to Dhaka, where I got the opportunity to enroll in the Economics Department at Titumir College. While studying in Dhaka, I had to manage my educational expenses through tutoring and also send some money back home. However, tutoring opportunities were not always available, and even when they were, I often did not receive the payment on time. As a result, it became extremely difficult for me to pay for my mess rent, food, and academic expenses. Many times I even had to remain hungry. Even today, when I recall those painful days, my eyes fill with tears.

My cousin Imran Hossain, who was studying at Dhaka College, occasionally visited the office of Mr. Fazlul Kader, the President of Alokayon. Like me, he also came from a poor family. Later, I came to know that Sir had seen Imran’s name in the list of determined and talented students published in the daily newspaper Daily Jugantor. Sir collected his phone number through the Upazila Accounts Officer and invited him to his office for tea. Considering his financial hardship, Sir provided him with financial assistance according to his ability to help continue his studies. He also gave him BDT 10,000 to start a small business for self-employment.

In 2019, I went to Sir’s office with Imran and was introduced to him. After listening to my family situation and the hardships of my life, Sir came forward to help me. Through the organization Alokayon, he supported me by paying my examination fees, tuition fees, purchasing books, and other academic expenses. Not only that, through Alokayon I also received many forms of assistance, including medical support for my parents, repairing our house damaged by a cyclone, Qard Hasanah (interest-free loan), and many other benefits.

Alhamdulillah, I have now completed both my Honors and Master’s degrees. In 2024, I participated in the 46th BCS Examination and successfully passed the preliminary examination. I am now waiting for the written examination.

With Sir’s direct support, I have been able to overcome the shame and hardship of unemployment and have secured a small private job. Along with supporting myself, I am also able to help my poor parents.

Alokayon has appeared in my life like a beacon of light. Without the support of Alokayon, I doubt whether I could have completed my education. I promise that I will remain connected with Alokayon throughout my life. In whatever way possible—through financial support or voluntary service—I will stand beside Alokayon and make every effort to help underprivileged people.

Currently, in Nakhhalpara, Dhaka, I am serving as a Senior Teacher at Alokayon Pathshala-1, a school operated by Alokayon for underprivileged children. I supervise and support the teaching activities of both students and teachers there.

May Almighty Allah grant us the opportunity to stand beside the underprivileged people. Ameen.

Md. Nasim Uddin

Department of Economics

Titumir College, Dhaka.