Photo: BSS

LALMONIRHAT, March 3, 2026 (BSS) - Santana Rani Roy, 50, of Lalmonirhat has emerged as a remarkable example of self-reliance, transforming her life from poverty to entrepreneurship through determination, hard work, and honesty.

A resident of Rudraram village under Barabari union in Sadar upazila, Santana Rani was married at a young age. Her husband, Bidhubhushan Roy, worked as a daily wage laborer at the local post office. Managing a family on his limited income was a constant struggle.

Despite completing her education only up to class eight, Santana refused to surrender to hardship. Determined to overcome poverty, she pursued skills training in tailoring through the local development organisation RDRS. She soon became proficient in sewing and later worked as a trainer, providing tailoring training to nearly 300 women. Many of her trainees are now financially independent.

Although she earned Taka 10,000-12,000 per month as a trainer for several years, it was not enough to fully support her family. In 2000, she took a loan of Taka 30,000 from an NGO and established "SB Tailors" at the women's market in Barabari Bazar.

The early days were challenging, but Santana gradually built a reputation for producing quality and fashionable garments. Today, her business earns more than Taka 2.5 lakh annually after expenses. The enterprise also provides part-time employment to three to five local women.

"Hard work and honesty are my main strengths," Santana said. "With this income, I can manage my husband's medical treatment, my daughters' education, and our household expenses."

Her elder daughter, Asha Lata Roy Mou, is a third-year Philosophy student at Jagannath University in Dhaka, while her younger daughter, Bijoya Roy Srishti, is studying in the second year of intermediate at Majida College in Lalmonirhat. Santana hopes to see her elder daughter become an administrative officer and her younger daughter a doctor.

Looking ahead, she expressed interest in expanding her business with government support. She plans to utilize unused space beside her shop to launch a larger-scale tailoring operation and create more employment opportunities for women.

Regular customers, including Asia Begum, Mogliza Banu, and Yasmin Akhter, described SB Tailors as a trusted name in the area for modern and quality clothing.

Sajedul Islam Saje, president of the Barabari Bazar Merchants' Association, praised Santana as an honest and hardworking entrepreneur.

Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haider said the government has various support programmes for women entrepreneurs. Eligible entrepreneurs would receive assistance after proper verification and selection if they apply according to the prescribed rules, he added.

Santana encouraged young people not to rely solely on seeking jobs but to acquire practical skills. "Even with small capital, it is possible to become self-reliant through tailoring," she said.

Her journey-- built on struggle, courage, and confidence-- has become a beacon of inspiration for women across Lalmonirhat district.