After long struggle on two hands, Biren Das finally finds relief in wheelchair

The life of physically challenged cobbler Sri Biren Das of Nowhata Madrasa Para in Paba Upazila of the district tells a story of quiet resilience and years of silent struggle. With one leg paralyzed, he has earned his livelihood for years by moving around supported on both hands. His workplace is at the rice market in Nowhata’s old bazaar. Sitting there all day, he stitches and repairs shoes. With whatever he earns, he somehow manages to support his wife and daughter. The daily, gruelling commute was the biggest challenge of his life. Gravel-filled paths, dusty roads—everything became an extra burden for him. 

Yet Biren Das never stopped; every day, supporting himself on both hands, he made his way to workplace. Hoping to ease this hardship, he applied for a wheelchair to Dr. Md. Mozaffar Hossain Mukul, Senior Vice-President of Rajshahi District Zia Parishad. Mukul informed Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, Member of Parliament for Rajshahi-3 constituency, about the matter.

Later, following the MP’s directive, today, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ibnul Abedin handed over a wheelchair to Biren Das at a brief ceremony on the Upazila Parishad premises. Present at the event were Upazila Social Services Officer Hossain Ali, Dr. Md. Mozaffar Hossain Mukul, and others. Overwhelmed with emotion while sitting in the wheelchair, Biren Das said, “For so long I moved around on both hands—it was very painful. Getting this wheelchair today feels like I’ve found the strength to live again. Going to work will be much easier now.”

The UNO said, “It is our responsibility to stand beside the helpless and disabled people in society. Being able to assist hardworking people like Biren Das brings us joy.” Dr. Md. Mozaffar Hossain Mukul, Senior Vice-President of Rajshahi District Zia Parishad, said that this support is not just a wheelchair, but a door to new possibilities in Biren Das’s life. After long years of suffering, this small gift of relief has given him the courage to dream again.