Md. Belal, a resident of Shikder Bil in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, once held a dream common to many changing his family’s fortune by working abroad. Driven by poverty and family pressure, he placed his trust in a broker who promised a well-paid job in Saudi Arabia. Though his migration was processed legally, the reality turned out to be a nightmare.
What was supposed to be a few hours of gardening work turned into 17–18 hours of hard labor every day. Belal endured exploitative conditions, mental abuse, unhygienic living environments, and received far less salary than promised. Isolated and mentally distressed, he returned to Bangladesh, burdened with debt and broken in spirit.
Back home, Belal’s situation worsened. Mentally drained and financially devastated, he struggled with societal stigma and lacked the confidence to start over. That’s when he was enrolled in the Ashshash project, implemented by PROTTYASHI and Winrock International.
Through psychosocial counseling, Belal slowly began to regain his mental strength. He was then guided through career counseling, where driving was identified as a promising opportunity based on his interest and the local job market. With support from the project, he began driving training, along with life skills sessions that helped him build confidence, discipline, and resilience.
“After returning from abroad, I was lost,” Belal shared. “The Ashshash project has become a new path for me. After completing my driving training, I believe I’ll be able to earn and support my family again.”
Belal’s journey of recovery and reintegration is still ongoing, but the progress is clear. With support, structure, and training, he is stepping out of trauma and into a future filled with hope and opportunity. His story stands as a powerful reminder that survivors, when empowered, can rebuild not only their lives—but also inspire others to do the same.
