Anik Howlader, a young man from Madaripur, embodies resilience and hope after enduring a life-altering tragedy during the student protests of July 2024. The son of a beneficiary of ACT Foundation’s Shwapno Chaka project, Anik suffered severe injuries to his head and eyes, threatening his future and livelihood.
Upon getting informed of Anik’s plight through Sajib, the Shwapno Chaka coordinator, ACT Foundation sprang into action. Collaborating with national media, we brought Anik’s story to light, including a heartfelt article by Suhada Afrin in Daily Prothom Alo. The response from the community was overwhelming, enabling critical eye surgery for Anik. His corneal transplant, donated from Nepal, was successfully performed on October 19, marking a major step in his recovery. While his healing process continues, Anik’s journey toward reclaiming his life has begun.
Understanding the importance of sustainable support, ACT Foundation sought to secure a stable livelihood for Anik. In mid-November 2024, during a conversation with Mohammad Chowdhury (Bipu) Bhaia, founder of Ihsan Initiative Bangladesh, based in the USA, the topic of victims from the recent unrest came up. When Bipu inquired about individuals in need of livelihood support, Anik was an immediate choice. Bipu Bhaia facilitated the 1995 SSC Batch of Government Laboratory High School to generously mobilize BDT 150,000 to help Anik establish a grocery business. By early December, Anik successfully launched his new venture, ensuring a steady source of income.
This initiative is a cornerstone of ACT Foundation’s broader Livelihood program, which focuses on creating long-term economic stability for individuals affected by unforeseen circumstances. Anik’s story exemplifies the power of collective effort. It was made possible through the collaboration of ACT Foundation, the Government Laboratory High School 1995 batch, and Ihsan Initiative Bangladesh. Together, these organizations demonstrated how local and international communities can transform lives when working toward a common goal.
Anik’s journey from being a victim of tragedy to a small business owner underscores ACT Foundation’s commitment to providing not only immediate relief but also enduring solutions that uplift individuals and their families. This success sets a precedent for future projects under our Livelihood program, offering a roadmap to hope and empowerment for countless others. Anik’s story is a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the human spirit.
