Against All Odds: Resilience and Triumph Without Hands

Individuals with special needs comprise a significant segment of the socially marginalized population, many of whom exhibit exceptional qualities.

Altaf Hossain, affectionately known as ‘Dukhu Mia’ by the acquaintances, a handicapped teacher from Bangladesh is one among them.
The headmaster of ‘Pratibha Dukhu Mia Kindergarten’, named after its founder himself, is currently illuminating his community despite his physical limitations.

Born without hands, Mr Hossain from Panchdona village at Narsingdi district in Bangladesh pushed the barriers throughout his lifetime and eventually won the battle after defeating all the impediments.

Mr. Hossain was born in 1962. However, due to being born without hands, his parents named him Dukhu Mia (Dukhu means sorrow in Bangla). Nevertheless, he refused to succumb to defeat despite his physical condition. Using his determination, he passed his Secondary School Certificate exams in 1982 and Higher Secondary Certificate exams in 1984. In 1986, he obtained a degree from Narsingdi Government College. Despite his academic achievements, he struggled to find employment due to his disability. He began private tutoring, but even that wasn’t enough to fulfil his family’s needs. In this dire situation, he remained unemployed for some time. Dukhu Mia faced obstacles in securing employment due to his disability. Therefore, he decided to establish a school under his own name to dedicate his life to work. This school, built by him, is now spreading light in society by educating children.

“Before I was born, my parents had lost two children soon after birth. Then I was born. Upon my birth, they realised I was born without hands, which brought them considerable distress. Therefore, at an early age, they enrolled me in a madrasa [a pedagogy governed by Islamic education]. However, due to the inability to write Arabic without hands, I was eventually withdrawn from the madrasa. Later, when I was admitted to school, many ridiculed and belittled me. Nevertheless, I did not let their mockery deter me from pursuing my studies. Despite the challenges, I managed to obtain a degree. However, despite obtaining a degree, I couldn’t secure any government or private employment due to my disability. Although I tutored to fulfil my own and my family’s needs, the income was insufficient. Despite searching for better-paying jobs, I was unsuccessful. Therefore, I took it upon myself to establish an educational institution to sustain my livelihood.”