Restoring Dignity and Livelihood for Md. Harunur Rashid a 52-year-old landless farmer from a remote village in Chandpur, spent his entire life working on other people’s fields to support his wife and three young children. Despite his hard work, income was always unstable, and survival depended on each day’s labor.
A Farmer Losing His Sight—and His Livelihood
Md. Harunur Rashid, a 52-year-old landless farmer from a remote village in Chandpur, spent his entire life working on other people’s fields to support his wife and three young children. Despite his hard work, income was always unstable, and survival depended on each day’s labor.
But when a mature cataract slowly developed in both of his eyes, Harunur’s life took a devastating turn. His vision deteriorated to the point where he struggled to walk safely, identify people, or manage any farm work. Eventually, he became almost completely dependent on his wife for movement and daily tasks.
Harunur described his struggle as “Chash korte parlam na, rastay cholteo voy lagto. Chokher projjonto alo chole gele manush aar ki bache?”(“I couldn’t work, and I was afraid to walk on the road. When sight fades, what does a person have left?”)
On 25 October 2025, Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital organized a Comprehensive Eye Screening Camp at Daudkandi, Cumilla, with generous support from ANDHERI HILFE eV, Bonn, Germany and Salubritas Stiftung, a German Foundation.
Md Harunur Rashid a man of Chandpur recently visited in Cumilla with his relatives. During his visit he found leaflet and announcement that, free eye camp will be held and Cataract Surgery will be provided at free of cost. Without any delay he visited the camp and register for Eye Screening and Treatment.
During the large turnout, a frail man slowly approached the examination desk, guided by his relatives who is also visit for eye care service in the camp. It was Md. Harunur Rashid, nearly unable to see anything beyond hand movement. Senior Medical Officer Dr. Farhan Ibn Latif examined him and diagnosed mature cataract in both eyes, requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Dr. Farhan explained that “Mr. Harunur Rashid was on the brink of total blindness. Without surgery, he would lose his remaining vision. With support from ANDHERI HILFE eV, Bonn, Germany, and Salubritas Stiftung, a German Foundation we immediately planned for surgical restoration.”
The medical team counseled him thoroughly, assuring him that all costs of investigations, surgery, transport, and postoperative care would be covered. As a hope he admitted in the eye camp accordingly.
On the same day, Harunur was transported to Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur. He was admitted for surgery on his left eye which one is with the most severe cataract.
His surgery was performed by Dr. Rashedur Rahman Talukder, Senior Consultant of Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur using SICS (Small Incision Cataract Surgery) with PCIOL under local anesthesia, the operation was conducted successfully.
Before surgery, Harunur’s left eye could only detect Hand Movement (HM).
After surgery, his vision improved dramatically to 6/9, a transformation he could hardly believe.
Dr. Rashedur remarked that, “When a landless farmer loses vision, the entire family suffers. Restoring his sight means restoring his dignity, independence, and opportunity to earn again.”
Postoperative Care and Follow-Up
The morning after surgery, when the eye patch was removed, Harunur was speechless. For the first time in years, he could clearly see his surroundings and people standing beside him.
Harunur said with tears “Ami abar shob dekhte pacchi, shob bhalo manusder doya. Eita bhule jabar moto na.” (“I can see again, because of the kindness of good people. This is unforgettable.”)
He was discharged with detailed safety precautions, Medication instructions and Scheduled follow-up at the camp venue or at hospital.
At his follow-up evaluation, his left eye improved further to 6/6, giving him perfect functional vision.
A New Beginning for His Family
With restored sight, Harunur regained the ability to return to farming, freedom to walk independently, confidence to support his family and motivation to undergo surgery for the other eye as well.
His wife expressed deep relief, saying the family had regained hope for a stable future. Md. Harunur Rashid repeatedly expressed his heartfelt appreciation as “Allah ANDHERI HILFE aar Salubritas Foundation-er lokder bhalo rakhuk. Tara na thakle ami andho hoye jaitam.” (“May Almighty bless the people of ANDHERI HILFE and Salubritas Foundation. Without them, I would have remained blind.”)
The hospital team also acknowledged the importance of donor support in preventing avoidable blindness as “These projects extend eye care to the most vulnerable community. Every restored vision is a victory for humanity.”
Dr. Rashedur Rahman Talukder Added
From Darkness to Light
The story of Md. Harunur Rashid reflects how a free cataract surgery made possible by ANDHERI HILFE eV, Bonn, Germany, Salubritas Stiftung, a German Foundation, and Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur can transform the life of a vulnerable farmer and his entire family.
Harunur now walks confidently; works again, supports his children, and looks forward to a brighter future proving once more that restoring sight means restoring life itself. Now he will do his regular work as a Farmer and Day labor to earn for his family with dignity.
