By
Nusrat Jahan Boishakhi
19
October, 2026
For
54-year-old Mohammad Hosen Ali, a farmer from Char Kabilpur, securing a better
future for his children has always been a cherished dream. Yet uncertain
agricultural returns, flood-related crop losses and financial pressures often
made that difficult. Through Friendship’s Sustainable Economic Development
programme and the Friendship-Summit Solar Village, his family has gained agricultural
knowledge, livelihood support and access to renewable energy. Today, all four
of his sons are pursuing educational or professional pathways, including his
youngest, Manik Mia, who dreams of becoming a judge.
“When
I heard the news of my son’s admission to university, I was overwhelmed with
joy. I felt that my son’s achievement was the fulfilment of my years of hard
work, sacrifices, and dreams,” said Hosen Ali.
Strengthening
Livelihoods Through Knowledge
Before
joining Friendship’s Farmers’ Club in June 2022, Hosen Ali depended on farming
and occasional day labour to support his family. Limited access to practical
agricultural knowledge and fluctuating income made it difficult to plan ahead.
Through
the Farmers’ Club, he received training on improved cultivation methods,
efficient water use, vermicompost, and the identification and management of
pests and crop diseases. He also learned about livestock and poultry health,
broadening his understanding of farm management. Alongside the training, he
received vegetables, seeds and fertilisers. The SED Hub provided practical
advice on cultivation and crop management, while access to quality agricultural
inputs at fair prices strengthened his confidence in making farming decisions.
Applying
these lessons, Hosen Ali improved his cultivation practices and diversified
vegetable production. He currently earns around BDT 15,000 per month to support
his family, with surplus homegrown vegetables contributing an additional BDT
900-1,000 to the household’s monthly income. Homegrown vegetables also improve
the family’s food security and dietary diversity.
Mohammad Hosen Ali (third from left) with his wife and two of their sons. © Friendship
Friendship’s
link with local government institutions also helped him access subsidies and
support services. He can now approach local representatives more independently
when seeking assistance.
“Through
the Farmers’ Club, I have gained knowledge and confidence in modern farming and
management. I now feel more hopeful about managing my family’s needs and
supporting my children’s education,” he said.
His
experience also influenced his third son, who is now pursuing a diploma in
agriculture at the Agricultural Training Institute in Gaibandha.
When
Light Opens Up New Possibilities
Since
June 2023, Hosen Ali’s family has benefited from solar electricity through
Friendship Summit Solar Village. Previously, limited access to reliable
lighting made household activities after dark difficult and made it hard for Manik to study in the evening. Solar power now provides lighting, makes communication easier
through phone charging and supports access to digital learning. It has also
enabled Hosen Ali to use a solar-powered fan in his cattle shed, helping him
manage his livestock efficiently. Additionally, he earned extra income by
working as a labourer during the development of Solar Village.
“The solar electricity has made our daily lives easier. My son can study more comfortably at night, and we can carry out household activities with better lighting,” he stated.
A
Dream Rooted in Justice
Manik can now study at home for longer hours thanks to the renewable energy he has access to from the Friendship-Summit Solar Village. © Friendship
Education
has remained central to Hosen Ali’s hopes for his family. His eldest son has
joined the BCS Education Cadre, his second is pursuing a B.Sc. degree under the
National University, his third is studying agriculture, and Manik has gained
admission to the Department of Law at Islamic University, Kushtia, for the 2023-2024
academic session.
Manik
completed his SSC (Secondary School Certificate) in 2021 with a GPA of 4.61 and
his HSC (Higher School Certificate) in 2023 with a GPA of 5.00. His university
admission reflects his perseverance, his parents’ sacrifices, and his teachers' encouragement.
“My
future dream is to become an honest, fair, and competent Judge. I want to
complete my higher education and join the judiciary to ensure justice for
people with honesty and dedication. I aspire to contribute to establishing
justice in society and protecting the rights of underprivileged people,” said Manik
Mia, Law Student, Islamic University
Hosen
Ali’s journey illustrates how agricultural knowledge, livelihood support,
access to public services and solar energy can help address the everyday
challenges facing rural families. For Hosen Ali, the dream that once seemed
distant is becoming more tangible.
Sometimes,
creating opportunities begins with strengthening everyday life-so the next
generation has more room to dream, learn and move forward.