Samarun Nessa – From Crisis to Credit-Ready Business Owner
Location: Bangladesh
Family: Samarun Nessa (Mother), 3 adult sons (2 disabled, 1 able-bodied)
Age of Sons: 35, 38, 45
Before Intervention:
Samarun Nessa, an elderly single mother, faced extraordinary hardship caring for three sons, two of whom are disabled. Her only source of income was from her third son, Dalim, who worked at a water company for a low wage that barely covered basic food expenses. The family lived in severe poverty and debt, and Samarun herself required spinal surgery she could not afford. Despite owning a small plot of land gifted by her family, she had no means to build a home or escape the cycle of poverty.
Momtaj Foundation Freedom Fund Supported.
Through the Momtaj Foundation Freedom Fund, Samarun’s life was transformed. Our team delivered a targeted solution:
- Infrastructure Investment
We funded and built a secure 3-bedroom home with an attached grocery shop on Samarun’s land — designed to generate long-term income for the family.
- Mirco Business Development Training
Dalim was trained by the Foundation in small business operations, including:
- Local market research
- Inventory management
- Pricing strategy
- Sales tracking
- Profit and loss accounting
We also supplied the first 6 months of inventory, including high-demand essentials like salt, sugar, tea bags, and nappies.
Business Results (First 3 Months):
| Metric | Value (BDT) | GBP Equivalent |
| Monthly Sales Revenue | 68,133 | £540 |
| Gross Margin | ~40% | |
| Net Monthly Profit/Savings | 11,573 | £92 |
| Weekly Household Expenses | 3,920 | £31 |
| Loan Approved by Local Bank | ✅ Based on P&L |
Ongoing Impact:
The family is now debt-free, food secure, and emotionally stable. Dalim’s business not only supports the entire household but has also earned recognition from a local bank, which approved his first micro-business loan. Samarun no longer worries about her medical bills or where the next meal will come from. The business continues to grow, and with regular reinvestment, it is expected to generate £5,700+ in savings over 5 years.
A Testament to Dignified Transformation:
Samarun’s story shows how the Freedom Fund model — combining affordable housing, practical training, and seed capital — creates a replicable pathway out of poverty for families across rural Bangladesh.
“I feel at peace for the first time. My sons are safe, and I no longer worry about tomorrow.” — Samarun Nessa