Physically challenged Belal Hossain, who defied all odds to become a successful farmer at his village home in Joypurhat district, has received a wheelchair, thanks to the initiative of Bangladesh Systems Change Advocacy Network (B-SCAN).

B-SCAN, a Dhaka-based non-profit organisation especially working for disabled people, in association with Rotary Club of Dhaka arranged it.

Joypurhat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ashok Kumar Biswas handed over the wheelchair to Belal Hossain at his office yesterday noon.

Earlier at a programme in Dhaka Club, Lt Gen (rtd) Harun Ar Rashid, president of Dhaka Rotary Club (Central), also a former army chief, handed over the wheelchair meant for Belal Hossain.

Salma Mahbub, general secretary of B-SCAN, was present at the programme.

As it was difficult for physically challenged Belal to come to Dhaka to receive the wheelchair, Md Rubel Ahmed received it on behalf of this correspondent who later arranged sending it to Joypurhat DC.

After getting the wheelchair that would help him move with ease, Belal thanked all concerned with a smiling face.

The National Page of The Daily Star on May 3 last year ran a story titled 'Physically challenged, he knows no defeat', describing Belal's success.

Belal, sixth of seven children of Rokeya Begum, was affected with polio when he was only one year old. He read up to class III at the local primary school but could not continue study after his father's death. He got about 20 decimal of paternal land and started farming.

With firm determination and perseverance, he became a successful farmer and set a laudable example for locals.