He completed his Post Graduation in History from Rajshahi Government College in 2018 but not hankering for a job, he has been self-employed and has been working as a Fisherman in his village and surroundings. He helps the pond owners to release fish-fry, to catch fish and taking care of the ponds in exchange of money and thus earns his livelihood.
Rasel Islam (25) son of day-labourer Abul Kalam of village Joykrihsnapur Dhapara under Durgapur upazila had a great interest for study from his early boyhood. His parents being poor had no sufficient income to bear the cost of his study.
As a result, after passing his Secondary Examination, Rasel started to work as a Fisherman and continued his study. Even, he also worked as a farmhand in other's land to earn money for meeting his educational costs and the family costs. Still, after the completion of his Post Graduation degree, Rasel continues to work with fellow fishermen to catch fish from other's pond to earn money.
Rasel informed, his fisherman team earns Taka 1,000 to 4,000 from a pond owner by helping him to catch fish. The amount differs in accordance with the size of the pond. After finishing to catch fish, the team members distribute the money among themselves.
Rasel is married and he has to manage a five member-family including his wife, parents and a sister. His younger sister Rokey Khatun is an Honours second-year student of the local Baneswar College. He is bearing all cost of education of his sister and also the cost of maintaining the family.
Shahjahan Ali, team leader of the fishermen informed, Rasel is hard-working and expert in catching fish by pulling nets. Due to his experience and hard-work, all other fishermen of the upazila liked to include him in their teams. Being hard-working, expert and honest, he is earning a handsome amount of money by working as a fisherman.
He further mentioned, even after passing his post-graduation degree, Rasel never felt ashamed to work as a fisherman rather he says, any work except stealing and drug-peddling is honourable.
Rasel, however, said after passing his Post-graduation, he did not have any time or scope to apply for any job. He is continuing his job as a fisherman and he is satisfied with this profession. He also said, he would accept any other respectable job if he is offered from any quarter.
Rasel further said, even working by day time, he continues reading till late night. To manage the cost of education and his family, he is working as a Fisherman for over five-year and he feels proud to be an active worker than to stay idle as a job-seeker.
