Sunamganj:Losing six fingers in a tragic accident could have shattered the dreams of many, but for 38-year-old Shah Alam, it became a turning point that inspired him to build a self-reliant life through banana cultivation. Born into a poor farming family, Shah Alam, son of freedom fighter Mohammad Ali and homemaker Hamida Begum of Mathurkandi village in Bishwambarpur upazila, worked alongside his father in agriculture to support the family.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shah Alam also worked at a local sawmill where a tragic accident severely injured the fingers of both his hands, forcing doctors to amputate six of them. The accident left him struggling to perform even ordinary tasks. As his father eventually gave up farming due to old age, the responsibility of supporting the family fell entirely on Shah Alam's shoulders.
Instead of surrendering to his circumstances, he leased land from several neighbors and began cultivating bananas. Over the past four years, Shah Alam has established himself as a successful banana grower. His income from cultivation has not only supported his family but also enabled him to purchase his own land for farming expansion.
Following the death of his father, he married and now supports his wife, one son, two daughters, his elderly mother, and other family members. His banana cultivation earnings also assist his siblings in pursuing their education, providing opportunities he did not have.
Shah Alam owns 10 banana gardens and saves approximately Taka 50,000 annually after covering all expenses. He uses cow dung as organic manure instead of chemical fertilizers, with the 'Gera Sundari' banana variety gaining popularity across Sunamganj district.
Despite physical limitations, he remains committed to improving his cultivation practices. He receives a government disability allowance and believes additional government assistance could help him expand his market reach.
Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension in Sunamganj, Omar Faruk, stated that the department encourages farmers to seek technical assistance from the upazila agriculture office to improve yields. For Shah Alam, banana cultivation symbolizes his determination to overcome adversity, support his family, and create opportunities for future generations.