Indomitable Firoz

Defying the double challenge of inoperative hands since birth and parents' poverty, Ferdous Alam Firoz has successfully continued his higher study, using his mouth for holding pen to write with.

Firoz, 21, son of Shahab Uddin and Firoza Begum at Dharla River basin Kawamari village of Sreerampur union in Lalmonirhat's Patgram upazila, is now an honours second year student of political science in Patgram Adarsha College.

He achieved good results in Primary School Certificate, School Secondary Certificate and Higher Secondary Certificate HSC examinations.

“My classmates, teachers, and even outsiders look with appreciation when I write using my mouth for holding pen,” said Firoz.

“As I can hardly hold anything with my hands, I face serious problem while eating, wearing clothes and bathing. I have to take help of my parents and younger brothers for daily chores. In the college I get help from my classmates and teachers," he said. 

Firoz is the first of four brothers. His younger brothers Khurshid Hossain, Parvez Islam and Fahim Hossain study in HSC, Class IX and I respectively.

Ferdous Alam Feroz with his parents on the premises of their home at Kawamari village of Sreerampur union in Lalmonirhat's Patgram upazila. Photo: Star

Firzo's father Shahab Uddin, a poor farmer, said, “Our son Firoz is physically challenged but we never see any sign of frustration in him. He always encourages his younger brothers to study better."

“We are proud of Firoz. He wants to get higher education but we can't provide necessary support to him due to poverty,” said Firoz's mother Firoza Begum.

Mobarok Hossain, 45, a resident of the village, said, "Despite physical challenge,  Firoz always wears a smile. He has set an example how one can proceed towards achieving the aim by overcoming challenge."

Firoz is polite in behaviour and good at learning, said his college teacher Rashed Iqbal.

"We hardly see Firoz absent in classes," said his classmate Mashiur Rahman.