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The Voice of Friendship

Switzerland and Bangladesh have multifaceted cooperation for past 40 years! Over the years, Swiss-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation have entered many avenues- development cooperation, trade, business and culture. On the occasion of the Swiss National Day, and also to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the bilateral relations between two countries, we would like to present some Bangladeshi faces who are either working at Swiss companies operating in this country or are beneficiaries of the Swiss development cooperation in Bangladesh. Let's hear from them how this cooperation has impacted their lives, what they think about their friendship with Switzerland but above all, let's hear the story of their lives.
Mr. Md. A rifuzza man Age: 47 years District: Raj ba ri SGS Bangladesh Limited
“After completing my studies, I was looking for an employment to ensure a decent living. Later I got the job in this Swiss company which, in many ways, has changed my life positively. It has given me the opportunity to live with dignity. I am happy with my current economic status. The salary and other benefits that I receive at SGS are good. I can take care of my family well. I have been working in this company for past 16 years. I have a good career now. 1 started as a junior officer. Now I am working in the capacity of a Senior Manager in the company. Through this employment I have developed a close association with Switzerland which I will always cherish.”
Mr. Meher Uddin Age: 38 years District: Bogra
Farmer and beneficiary of the Katalyst project cofunded by Switzerland
“I am a farmer. In the past, I could not afford buying quality seeds, because the seeds were sold in large packets. Thanks to this project, I can now buy small packets of quality seeds. As a result, I grow more crops in my land which has led to higher income. I can now grow vegetables throughout the year, which gives me a steady income and helps me to pay for my children’s education. Now, I plan to lease and farm more land next year!”
Ms. Marium Begum Age: 34 years District: Rajshahi
UP Member and beneficiary of the SHARIQUE project; implemented by the HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and funded by Switzerland
“My position as UP member is now treated with dignity thanks to this project. I want to continue my efforts to prevent violence against women. I would like to show my gratitude to Switzerland for their continuous support in Local Government sector. I wish for a long lasting friendship between Bangladesh and Switzerland.”
Ms. Nasi ma Akhter
Age: 53years
District: Dhaka
SGS Bangladesh Limited “My job at the SGS Bangladesh has brought about a significant change in my life. Apart from improving my living standards, the employment has immensely helped me to secure my position in the society. Financially I
hold a better position now. I feel good when people around me look up to me with lots of expectations. In the future, I want to play a more significant role in advancing women empowerment in this country. I always feel proud of my association with Switzerland.”
Mr. Abdullah Hossain Age: 18 years District: Tangail Carpenter and beneficiary of the project implemented by the Centre for Mass Education in Science (CMES) and co-funded by Switzerland
“When I joined CMES years back, I started to take carpentry lessons. At present I am working at CMES' Technology Management Centre on a contractual basis and earning BDT 3500-4000 per month. Now, not only I can financially support my family but also can save some money. Due to my contribution to the family, I have also earned honour and respect of my family, relatives and neighbours. In future, I plan to set-up a furniture shop of my own in my village. The project has given me the opportunity to prove myself and further my capabilities. My thanks to the Government of Switzerland for their support.” Ms. Anuradha Devi
Hajong
Age: 45years
District: Sunamganj
UP Chairperson and beneficiary of the SHARIQUE project; implemented by the HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and funded by Switzerland “With the help of this project I am more aware about our rights and duties. Besides, my capacity as a people's representative has developed. I can actively participate and place demands of my community in different events, like Union Parishad planning meetings. I also want to continue contributing to my community for establishing their rights. I am involved with SHARIQUE project since 2006.”
Mr. Saiad Wahid Rubbani Age: 53years District: Dhaka
SGS Bangladesh Limited
“I work at the SGS Bangladesh Limited. The company maintains sustainable relations with the employees. SGS places emphasis on skill development of its employees to maintain a global standard. It has immensely helped me to develop my professional efficiency. I feel proud that I am an employee of a Swiss company. What I also very much like about SGS is that the company always encourages its employees to maintain their professional integrity above everything.”
Mr.Badsha
Age: 60 years District: Bogra
Farmer and beneficiary of the Katalyst project cofunded by Switzerland
“Previously, I used to use expensive pesticides for my land but crop wastage was still high. Later, Katalyst helped me to replace the use of expensive chemical pesticides with integrated pest man-agement (IPM), which is a combination of pest management methods. The results were immediate and crop wastage dropped significantly. With this new method of pest control, I am now making more profits. I have even sent my younger son to study in Dhaka. I can afford paying for his education. I am grateful to Katalyst and the Swiss Government for their support.”
Mr. Sultan Ali Age: 45years District: Rajshah i Rickshaw van puller and beneficiary of the SHARIQUE project; implemented by the HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and funded by Switzerland
“I participated a Union Parishad meeting, facilitated by Sharique, where my problems were discussed. Later, I received a Rickshaw van from the Baneswar Union Parishad. It changed my life. Now, I am able to fulfill the daily needs of my family and also pay back the loans I took. The days of hardship are over for me. Soon, I hope to pay off all my debts. I want to start saving some money and lead a prosperous life. Thanks to this project, my life has changed. I believe it will change the lives of many people who were like me.”
Ms. Siphat Nahar
Age: 50years Dhaka
SGS Bangladesh Limited
“The Employment has helped me to become financially independent. I wish SGS Bangladesh continued success. The growth of the company will benefit the employees too. I wish for long lasting friendship between Switzerland and Bangladesh and further strengthening of economic ties between the two nations.” Mr. Md. Li ton Ali Age: 18 years District: Tangail Carpenter and beneficiary' of the project implemented by the Centre for Mass Education in Science (CMES) and co-funded by Switzerland
“After getting myself admitted to CMES, I already stared earning small amount of money every month through small tasks of carpentry trade. After completing my courses in CMES, I am now a full-time carpenter and earning good money. I have provided my parents with Tk. 40,000 from my saving to build a new tin-shed house. I have also taken lease of a piece of land to cultivate vegetables and crops. Now, I am more confident about my goals and 1 have a much better economic stability. I also want to work in big enterprises to gain needed experience to set-up a carpentry shop of my own in the future.”