The image of a neglected town has started changing due to the exceptional initiative and tireless work of the female UP member of Barshat Union Parishad No. 2 of Anwara Upazila of Chittagong.
Going beyond the traditional rules, she is playing a unique role in the development of rural infrastructure, women empowerment and increasing social awareness. Her developmental activities are now receiving widespread praise from the local common people.
It is known from the field that Nazma Akhtar, the female UP member of the reserved seat of Barshat Union No. 2 of Anwara, has dedicated herself to the development of her area since her election.
In the past few years, she has played a leading role in repairing roads, building culverts, eliminating waterlogging and installing tube wells for drinking water in her area. In particular, she is providing assistance from government grants as well as private funds to rural women for self-employment through sewing training, poultry farming, and small cottage industries.
Local residents said that earlier there was no place for women to talk about any problems or minor issues of the area. But after being elected as the current female member, she is holding regular yard meetings. She is uniting women against child marriage, drugs, and eve-teasing.
Nurul Islam, a senior resident of the area, said, "We used to see that female members were only in name. But our current member is more active than male members. Be it a road problem or a family dispute, she can be found by their side even if you call her late at night."
When asked about this, female UP member Najma Akhtar said, "The people have elected me to serve them with love. Working as a woman is challenging at times, but my goal is to implement the Prime Minister's commitment to building a smart Bangladesh at the grassroots level. I want to transform this neglected township into an ideal and role model area. For this, I seek everyone's cooperation." According to local conscious circles, the rural economy and social system will change only with the help of such hardworking and honest women public representatives at the grassroots level. This female UP member of Anwara has proven through her work that women can also change the fate of any township if given the opportunity.
