On an inspirational voyage working with people with disabilities (PWD), Nahid Tabassum unfolds the story behind M. Jahidul Islam’s undefeated efforts in advocating the equal participation and education opportunities for PWDs
In a city like Dhaka, where there are challenges in every step of the way, M. Jahidul Islam, a fellow- Program, Policy and Campaign of ActionAid and a global shaper shared views that altered our discernment on life and struggle.
His journey
“At the age of two I was diagnosed with polio. Since I was born in a middle class family, my parents could not ascertain my future twenty seven years ago. Thus I had to go through a lot of mistreatment. However, they somehow realised that education was the only way to keep me standing. I really am fortunate that they did not settle on showcasing me at home,” said Jahidul meekly.
“Mobility was and still remains a major problem since our transportation, vehicles and communication is not supportive with the People with Disabilities (PWDs),” Jahid elucidated rationally. “Every day I am suffering due to transportation hazard”, he voiced gravely. On the contrary, these hurdles made the hiker strenuous and unshakable as he furthermore revealed, “Thereon wherever I got stuck, I vowed to myself that I will overcome this! Throughout high school I only missed a day while people kept missing dozens of lectures for no apparent reason,” the hardcore guise shared.
His aspirations
Ensuring that the physical impediments do not miss out on their aims in life is an incessant battle that PWDs brawl undisputedly. Jahid being no different always performed past necessities leaving no flaws exposing his efficiency and margins. “Being among PWDs, I comprehended that I should act accordingly as most of the PWDs do not get highest education, job facilities or support from their family and society,” he revealed.
According to WHO’s survey in 2011, 7 to 10 percent is disabled of the whole population and 90% people among them with disabilities reside below the poverty margin
Source (UNESCO,2005)
This indicates a co-relation between disability and poverty which additionally makes them more vulnerable and susceptive in this unreasonable world. “When I grasped that solvency is a prerequisite for PWDs, I started outsourcing to enhance my skills and work experience,” shared the winner of BASIS Online Outsourcing Award.
I deem if visually impaired Bhaskar Bhattacharya, program office of Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) can explore the whole world, likewise given adequate prospects who knows a Stephen Hawking may emerge from Bangladesh someday”, he appended suggestively.
More than 12% of our population is PWDs which makes more than 10 million of our entire population lagging behind without any support system or laws.
What saddens him
“Even though Dhaka dwellers are getting more concerned about PWDs yet for people like me we hardly see ramps or slopes in the commercial places to commute easily,” Jahid pointed out.
“The numerous posh restaurants around Gulshan, Banani or Dhanmondi explicitly count the PWDs off from their list of customers”, he slammed the facts and the scenarios. And to break these barricades Jahid in conjunction with ActionAid are working on the project named Removing Cultural Barrier (RCB) that will aid PWDs to enjoy normal living.
Jahid believes in pushing his limits
Whatever the case may be, Jahid has never ceased to gather knowledge and pursue education. Currently, he is enrolled in the Disability Management and Community Based Rehabilitation Program of Queens University, Canada. He believes the course will help him corroborate PWDs in ensuring their rehabilitation, education and employment within the community.
On a personal note the motivator entailed, “Try your best to shatter all the barriers. Struggles may not end but give your best and let the diligence lead towards success.” He acknowledged their involvement stating, “A little bit of help from the surroundings can matter a lot guarantying a smooth passage on the road to the desired goal.” His patience left us awestricken and kept us wondering the words of J.R.R. Tolkien – Courage is often found in unlikely places.