Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) - Poverty deprived Shabnur of the chance to hold books in her childhood. The harsh realities of life pushed her into work at a very young age. But, adversity could not stop her dreams. At the age of 32, the garment worker has once again befriended the alphabet, turning struggle into strength and moving forward with renewed hope.

Shabnur, who works at Hop Lun Apparels Limited in Gazipur, is now not only a machine operator but also a woman chasing new aspirations. Through an educational initiative at her workplace, she has resumed her studies and rediscovered the dreams she once lost.

The Hong Kong-based apparel manufacturer launched the unique education programme for female workers under its "She Can" project. Around 35 women workers, who had dropped out of school due to various socio-economic reasons, are now attending classes in Bangla, English and Mathematics twice a week during work breaks.

Shabnur was born in a remote village in Sherpur district under Mymensingh division. Growing up in a large family with five sisters and one brother, poverty was a constant companion. Her father worked as a rickshaw puller. Although she was admitted to school, financial hardship forced her to discontinue her education at an early stage.

Driven by poverty, she moved to Dhaka as a teenager with her elder sister in search of work. Later, she got married. Her husband went abroad hoping for a better future, but returned home after suffering injuries in an accident. The responsibility of supporting the family then fell entirely on Shabnur's shoulders.

Despite numerous challenges, she joined Hop Lun Apparels Limited in 2020 as a helper. Through dedication and hard work, she became a skilled machine operator. Her salary, which initially stood at Tk 9,300, has now increased to nearly Tk 17,000. With this income, she supports her family, finances her child's education and nurtures hopes for a brighter future.

However, the most significant transformation in her life came through returning to education. She now attends classes for two hours twice a week. Lessons in Bangla, English and Mathematics have opened up a new world of possibilities for her.

"Mathematics feels difficult sometimes, but when I understand it, it makes me very happy. It feels like I am discovering a whole new world," Shabnur said.

Her greatest inspiration is her eight-year-old daughter, Habiba Akter Iti, who studies at school and loves drawing. Shabnur dreams of seeing her daughter become a successful artist and pursue higher education to establish herself in the society.

Even after long hours of factory work, Shabnur does not stop learning. Back home, she sits beside her daughter with books in hand. Sometimes her daughter helps her study, while at other times her husband explains unfamiliar words.

The moment when mother and daughter sit together for study has become the greatest sources of joy in her life.

"The happiest moment for me is when my daughter says, 'Mom, sit and study with me.' All my exhaustion disappears then," she said emotionally.

Although she has few personal demands, Shabnur remains determined to fulfil her daughter's dreams. She firmly believes that education gives people the courage to build a new life.

Hop Lun Apparels Limited's education and skill development initiatives have played a significant role in her journey. The company currently employs more than 20,000 workers, around 80 percent of whom are women. To enhance workers' education, confidence and professional skills, the "She Can" programme was launched in April 2025.

According to the company, the initiative aims to ensure the personal and professional development of female workers while fostering leadership skills. Creating a safe, supportive and respectful workplace also remains one of its key priorities.

Technical support for the programme is being provided by Talent Track Limited. Its Founder and Managing Director Shafiqul Islam said the initiative is playing an important role in boosting workers' confidence, improving their skills and building long-term professional capabilities.

Shabnur's story is not merely the story of a garment worker's struggle; it is the story of a resilient woman daring to dream again. Though life repeatedly tried to hold her back, she refused to stop. From within her own unfulfilled dreams, she has found the light to shape her daughter's future.