Sahin is 40 years old now. Back in 2002, when he was just 17, he lost both of his legs in a bomb blast. I first met him in 2005 while working on a story in Mymensingh and photographed him then. After that, he kept moving from place to place, and despite searching for many years, I couldn’t find him again.
Finally, this year in 2025, I was fortunate to meet him again. The first thing I did was repair his damaged prosthetic legs. Later, during our conversations, I learned that he was already driving a rented auto-rickshaw. Together, we decided the best way forward would be to get him his own. Last week, I was able to buy him a brand-new auto-rickshaw for 2,60,000 taka (about 2,135 USD).
Previously, he had to pay 700 taka every day just to rent an auto-rickshaw, and could barely manage to work about 15 days a month. Now, with his own rickshaw, he no longer needs to pay rent, and he has the freedom to work whenever he wants.
Sahin is the father of two daughters, his elder daughter is now in her first year of college, and the younger one is in school. His elderly mother lives with him, and his wife, who is suffering from several health issues, also depends on him. He alone carries the responsibility of his five-member family.
I truly hope this small contribution will ease his struggles and bring stability to his family. I promise to continue standing beside them, especially to ensure that his daughters can pursue their education and build a brighter future.
_GMB Akash
GMB AKASH 