Shahinur Rahman

“My name is Md. Shahinur Rahman Guddu. I work as a Project Officer for
OBAT’s projects in Rangpur. I first started working for OBAT as a Monitoring
Officer in 2010.

I was born in Syedpur. We were a happy family there. Due to personal
circumstances, my father moved from Syedpur to Rangpur. My father was not
doing well financially and hence took shelter in a room in Isphani camp no-3.
I got admitted into a Maktab (religious school) at the age of five and learned
the Holy Quran. I could not get admitted into a school as we couldn’t afford
the fee; I had to work and save money. I worked at a flour mill where I earned
only 10 Taka/ 10 cents a day. I worked there for a year.

At times, I also worked as a hawker and sold winter or used clothing. I would
save money that I earned for admission or education materials. I got admitted
into Mulatol Madinatul–Ulum– Aliya Madrassa and continued studying there.
When I was in 4 th grade, I worked at a mosque in Rangpur. With the little
money I earned, I bought exercise books and stationery. In 1998, I passed
SSC (10 th grade) acquiring 1st division & HSC (12 th grade), acquiring 2nd
division. After that, I got admitted into Carmichael College in the Commerce
group. I continued studying with great difficulty as I was also helping support
my family at the same time.

In 2000, I started working as a volunteer at Concern Worldwide (Slum
Development Committee). I met OBAT’s President, Mr. Anwar Khan at a
meeting while working there. Meeting a kind-hearted and lovely person like
him, was a direct gift from God. He advised me to go on studying and to
change lives by doing good. Heeding his advice of love, respect and care for
others, I continued to work hard.

In 2005, I joined an organization, Asod (Assistance for Social Organization & Development) as an MO (Microfinance Organizer). Thanks to my hard work,
the zone coordinator, Janab Seraful Hossen Himel, promoted me to a Branch
Manager.
In 2009, I came to know about the educational project of OBAT. I joined OBAT
as a Monitoring Officer. I also got married in 2011. Now, I have a son named
Abdus Shubhan Siyam (6 years old), and a daughter named Sana Rahman (4
years old).

My wife works as a head teacher in OBAT’s Rangpur School. I am
very thankful to OBAT for giving me this opportunity and for the wisdom andguidance of Mr. Anwar Khan which defined my purpose in life and gave me
direction.