DHAKA, May 21, 2026, (BSS) - In the remote haor region of Kishoreganj, entrepreneur Shaila Akter has emerged as an inspiring example of women's empowerment and building a successful handicrafts and fashion business that is now creating employment opportunities for dozens of women.
 
Women in remote haor areas still face numerous limitations in achieving financial independence and employment opportunities. Many are unable to utilize their skills beyond household responsibilities. 
 
However, despite these challenges, some women are changing their lives and society through courage, talent and hard work.
 
Shaila Akter, a daughter of the haor region from Nikli in Kishoreganj, is one such entrepreneur who has established a remarkable success story through sewing and handicrafts.
 
Shaila once worked as a teacher at a high school in Habiganj. She had a stable and respectable profession, but from childhood she possessed a deep passion for sewing, embroidery and hand-painted designs. Needlework, fabric design and hand-painting remained her favorite creative pursuits, even while teaching due to family expectations.
 
Eventually, driven by her passion, Shaila made a major life decision in 2019. She resigned from her teaching position and returned to her home village Nagar in Nikli upazila of Kishoreganj. 
 
Many family members did not initially support her decision, considering it risky to leave a secure job for an uncertain business venture. However, Shaila had unwavering faith in her dream. With only Taka 5,000 as initial capital, she launched her own initiative.
 
At the beginning, she worked with only five employees. What started on a small scale has now grown into a large enterprise employing 45 women workers. Products made by her team are now being supplied not only across Bangladesh but also internationally, including Dubai, Singapore and Jordan, where demand for her clothing and handicraft items has emerged.
 
Shaila said her success is the result of long-term hard work, perseverance and self-confidence.
 
She was skilled in handicrafts from an early age and learned sewing and design work primarily from her elder sister. After completing her SSC examinations, she spent her free time making handmade wall mats, which she later gifted to relatives. Her work received widespread praise, and gradually relatives and neighbours began placing orders for various handmade items. That was when she first started earning through small-scale work.
 
At that point, she realized that handicrafts could become a profession. However, she did not receive much support from her family, who preferred that she pursue a conventional job. She later joined a high school in Habiganj as a teacher, but her inner dream never disappeared.
 
The death of her father in 2019 brought a major turning point in her life. After losing her father, she returned home and focused entirely on realizing her entrepreneurial ambitions.
 
Shaila's academic background is also notable. She completed her postgraduate studies at Government Titumir College in Dhaka. In addition, she received multiple training courses in sewing, fashion designing and hand-painting from the Department of Youth Development, which further enhanced her skills.
 
Alongside building her own business, Shaila began thinking about economically disadvantaged women in society. She believes many rural women possess talent but lack opportunities to utilize it, particularly those who do not feel comfortable working outside their homes. To address this, she initiated opportunities for women to earn from home.
 
From this vision, she established the "Ashfia Training Center," where women receive free training in sewing, boutique work, embroidery, block printing, hand printing and Nakshi Kantha making. Since 2019, nearly 700 women have received training from the center. Many have become entrepreneurs themselves, while others are now employed at Shaila's enterprise.
 
A recent visit to Shaila's home in Nagar village of Nikli revealed nearly 50 women actively working there. Some were designing fabrics, some sewing, while others were engaged in block printing work, creating an atmosphere filled with activity and confidence.
 
Trainee Jesmin Akter said she is learning sewing and design work at the center alongside her studies. She has already started earning and can now support both her education expenses and her family financially. Many other young women are similarly transforming their lives through the training center.
 
Shaila said many rural girls possess extraordinary talent but remain behind due to a lack of proper guidance and opportunities. She wants women to become financially independent rather than relying on sympathy or support from others.
 
"I always tell girls that they must try to earn for themselves. Learning sewing or handicraft work makes it possible to earn from home," she said.
  
Shaila added that many women are unable to go outside due to family restrictions, so she personally visits their homes to explain work assignments. This enables women to work and earn from home, bringing financial stability to many families.
  
Currently, Shaila's hand-painted Panjabis, dresses, Nakshi Kantha products, embroidered items and bedsheets enjoy strong demand. Orders regularly come from different districts of the country, while her products have also gained popularity online. Through the Facebook page "Ashfia Dream Fashion," products are being sold both at home and abroad.
  
She now earns regularly every month from the business. Even after paying workers' salaries, her monthly income stands at around Taka 40,000 to Taka 50,000. However, she places greater importance on empowering women than on financial gain.
  
Nikli Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mst. Shakila Parveen said Shaila Akter is an exemplary figure for women in remote haor regions. 
 
"Overcoming various social barriers, she has become successful and is also working to make other women self-reliant. Her initiative undoubtedly deserves appreciation," she said.