Narsingdi DC pledges support to turn Dukhu Mia’s school into a high school
Photo: Collected
Altaf Hossain of Narsingdi, known to local people as Dukhu Mia, was born without both arms. After completing his education by writing with his feet, he went from office to office in the hope of getting a job. No job came his way; in the end, he set up a school on his own ancestral land, where he now brings the light of education to 145 children. Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Israt Jahan Keya has assured this man, an example of indomitable willpower and resolve, of the necessary support to fulfil his dream of upgrading the school into a high school.
The deputy commissioner visited Protiva Dukhu Mia Kindergarten, founded by Dukhu Mia in the Nagar Panchdona area of Narsingdi Sadar, on Monday morning (12 October). Besides looking at how classes are conducted there, she enquired about Dukhu Mia’s life struggle. She also assured that necessary steps would be taken to realise his dream of turning the school into a high school.
In Israt Jahan Keya’s words, ‘Altaf Hossain Dukhu Mia is not only the pride of Narsingdi, he is the pride of the whole country. He has reached where he is today through his self-confidence, drive and indomitable spirit. Government support is needed to smooth his path forward. The district administration and the government will stand by him.’
Praising the initiative, the deputy commissioner said Dukhu Mia neither stopped nor gave up; instead, he stepped forward himself. His effort is a great inspiration to others. She also remarked that if everyone came forward like this from their own positions, it would be possible to take the country forward.
The deputy commissioner further said necessary steps would be taken to turn Dukhu Mia’s dream school into a high school. In her view, this is not just one man’s personal dream; the future of education for the area’s children is also tied to it.
As part of an initiative to create a green environment at the school, each of its 145 students was given a sapling. The deputy commissioner said such activities are being carried out at various educational institutions as part of the government’s plan to plant 25 crore trees in five years. She also expressed hope that the saplings handed to the children would one day grow into big trees.
Altaf Hossain was born in 1962 in Nagar Panchdona of Narsingdi Sadar. His father is the late Tamiz Uddin. Born without both arms, he has had to fight various obstacles since childhood. Out of a mix of affection and regret, his grandfather named him Dukhu Mia. Though his name carries sorrow, he did not give up in life’s struggle. He completed his education by writing with his feet and tried to get a job, but without success. He then set up a school on his ancestral land and devoted himself to teaching children.
During the visit, a grant was handed to Altaf Hossain at the initiative of the deputy commissioner. Saplings and school bags were also distributed among the students.
Present at the time were Narsingdi Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asma Jahan Sarkar, Sadar upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Meftahul Hasan, Panchdona union BNP President Bachchu Mia and General Secretary Tarik Hossain Rana, and Panchdona Union Parishad Secretary Lokman Hossain. Local residents were also present.
