Background:
Aleka Begum was born and raised in the village of Kholishajani in Phulbari, Kaliakoir. She was the youngest in a family of eight, including her parents, three brothers, and two sisters. Her childhood was filled with love and care, and her family was happy despite limited means. Tragedy struck when Aleka’s mother passed away when Aleka was just 12 years old and studying in class six. Although she managed to gain admission to class seven, financial hardships forced her to discontinue her education.
At the age of 17, Aleka married Shafiqul Islam, who lived in a nearby village. Her husband’s family was also struggling financially, living in two mud-walled huts on government barren land. Aleka’s mother-in-law, who was involved with Dhaka Handicrafts Limited (DH Ltd.), used her income to gradually improve their living conditions, building a CI sheet-roof house. However, financial challenges persisted for the family.
Journey to Work:
Aleka’s mother-in-law played a pivotal role in introducing her to basket-making. As the Secretary of their producer group, her mother-in-law trained Aleka in the craft, and Aleka soon became skilled at creating high-quality baskets. With her new skills, Aleka began working for Dhaka Handicrafts Limited, earning her own income and contributing to her family’s livelihood.
Aleka and her husband had three children—two daughters and a son. Her eldest daughter, despite being married, is currently studying in class ten, while her younger daughter is in class four, and her son is in class one.
Skill Development:
Over time, Aleka became proficient in basket-making, earning respect at home and within her community. In 2014, after the passing of her mother-in-law, group leadership elections were held, and Aleka was elected Secretary of the group. In this role, she took on responsibilities such as supervising the work of 156 members, managing official dealings, and maintaining communication between her group and the DH Ltd. office in Gazipur.
Aleka’s leadership skills, combined with her dedication to production work, helped her thrive. Her consistent efforts and ability to lead earned her recognition within Dhaka Handicrafts Limited and among her peers.
Family Achievements:
Aleka has worked with Dhaka Handicrafts Limited for nearly two decades. Through the group’s credit and savings program, she accessed interest-free loans, which significantly improved her family’s quality of life. With the loans and her income, Aleka built a CI sheet-roof house with a concrete floor, an attached bathroom, and a toilet. She also contributed to purchasing a small carrier vehicle for her family’s use.
Aleka and her husband saved BDT 20,000 in cash and took an additional loan of BDT 50,000 to buy the goods carrier vehicle. This investment brought financial stability, enabling them to furnish their house with a cot, a showcase, a television, and a mobile phone. Additionally, Aleka deposits BDT 500 monthly with an insurance company to secure her family’s future.
Community Respect and Gratitude:
Aleka’s dedication and success have earned her respect within her community. Dhaka Handicrafts Limited has been a source of strength for her, empowering her to gain social recognition that was once unimaginable. Her group members appreciate her leadership, and Aleka dreams of providing her children with a better future through education, aspiring for them to become government employees one day.
Aleka is deeply grateful to Dhaka Handicrafts Limited, her fellow producers, the staff, buyers, and the ultimate consumers of their products. She acknowledges the organization’s vital role in transforming her life and enabling her to achieve her dreams.
