Finding His Voice: Abdur’s Journey from Isolation to Empowerment
Stories | June 18, 2026
In a quiet village in Bangladesh, Abdur sits behind the counter of his modest tea shop, greeting customers with a warm smile and a confident voice. But this wasn’t always the case.
A father and grandfather, Abdur has lived with a physical disability for much of his life. For years, he navigated the world in silence, unaware of the rights and resources available to him.
“I didn’t know I had a voice,” he says. “I didn’t know I had rights.”
That changed the day he overheard a community member talking about a CBM supported project. The cashier of a local Self-Help Group supported through the project was speaking passionately about the group’s work – supporting people with disabilities, raising awareness, and building community strength. Intrigued, Abdur asked questions. That moment marked the beginning of a transformation.
Abdur joined the Self-Help Group and through it learned about the Disability Identification Card, a simple document that opened doors he never knew existed. Having now accessed the card, he now receives a monthly disability allowance, reduced bus fares, and free medication at the sub-district hospital. “It’s not just money,” he says.
“It’s dignity. It’s freedom.”
But the support did not stop there. Abdur joined the Village Savings Loan Association, contributing a small amount each month. This gave him access to small loans, which he used to restock his tea shop – a business that had been struggling. With new inventory and renewed energy, his shop began to thrive.
He also received financial training, learning how to manage his income and run his business more effectively. “I used to just guess,” he laughs. “Now I plan. I save. I grow.”
Perhaps most importantly, Abdur found his voice. “Thanks to the process and increased knowledge, I now know more people and have the confidence to speak out,” he says. He shares what he’s learned with others in his community, helping them navigate the same systems that once felt out of reach.
Abdur in his tea shop that has been restocked with money he accessed through the Village Savings and Loan Association.
Today, Abdur is not just a tea seller. He’s a mentor, a community advocate, and a symbol of resilience. “I feel confident about my future and that of my family,” he says, his eyes shining with pride.
In the heart of his village, one man’s journey reminds us all that empowerment begins with awareness – and that every voice, once found, can echo far beyond its origin.
CBM Australia acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/abdur
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