Fazlur Rahman: Distressed rickshaw puller turns into ambitious entrepreneur

Fazlur Rahman was left devoid of all hope when his battery-run rickshaw, his sole earning tool, was dumped in a truck during an eviction drive in the Zigatola area of the capital on Monday.

He broke down in tears on the spot following the shocking incident. The scenario took a dramatic turn when some pictures of him crying went viral on social media.   

However, his luck took a turn for the better. The most unfortunate episode of his life turned into a blessing when a quarter of rich and influential people came forward and extended assistance to him.

In three days, rickshaw puller Fazlur had turned into an entrepreneur, thanks to an initiative of Shwapno.

Fazlur had taken a loan of TK80,000 to buy his rickshaw only 15 days ago. He had lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to try his luck with the funds he had borrowed.

Learning about the incident through social media, Sabbir Hasan Nasir, the executive director of Shwapno, sent some officials to Fazlur, inquiring about his interest in becoming an entrepreneur. After learning more, it was an offer Fazlur could not possibly refuse.

Fazlur now owns two rickshaws donated by others and is likely to receive another one. He now dreams of using these rickshaws in Shwapno's home delivery service.

Shwapno's offer letter was handed to him by Shah Mohammad Rizvi Rony, chief of Shwapno's HR department, at a restaurant in Tejgaon on Wednesday evening, said a press release.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Shwapno, saying, "I can't explain the joy inside my heart. I want to be a good entrepreneur and keep the business going. I'm extremely grateful to Shwapno for their generosity and good will."