In conversation with Shaba Binte Amin
Shaba Binte Amin, 26, is studying to become a chartered certified accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Bangladesh. She is also a social activist, an entrepreneur and a volunteer food critic. Whenever she is not busy with ACCA textbooks, she works at her non-profit organisation Poverty Fighter Foundation (PFF) and runs her own travel agency. The enterprising young woman was born and raised in Khulna.
Sheikh Iraj of YI talked to her recently about her work and aspirations.
Please tell us something about yourself and your foundation.
I became very interested in accounting while studying for O-levels and decided to pursue a career in this field. For higher studies, I chose ACCA and moved to the capital. In 2010, I started Poverty Fighter Foundation, probably my greatest achievement. Ours is a developing country, with a majority of the population living below the poverty line. I always felt an obligation to help the underprivileged people stand on their own feet and lead a normal life. Thats why, from an early age, I used to volunteer with various organisations working for the poor.
Please tell us about the activities of PFF.
These days, I am able to do so much more through PFF. We aim to bring substantial changes in the lives of our impoverished population through proper education and self-reliance. PFF is currently focusing to develop a standard lifestyle and ensure basic rights for the underprivileged, especially the kids. Our school project provides education for slum and street children. We run two schools in two cities to provide the children with proper education, hygiene and nutrition. PFF organises events to raise funds as well. Other activities include free medical camps, warm clothes distribution etc. All our activities are carried out by volunteers.
Beside a social activist, you are also an entrepreneur. Please tell us about that.
9.9 Travels is my first stepping stone into the world of entrepreneurship. I aim to make 9.9 a market leader and set a new benchmark for services to customers. This travel agency is growing fast and hopefully, it will be a great success.
You are a food critic also. How did that start?
Being a foodie, it gives me great joy to work as a food critic and share my love for fine dining. I love to inform people about their favourite cuisines and the restaurant scene in Dhaka.
Please tell us about your future plans.
In the rare moments, when I am not studying or at my travel agency or at PFF, I enjoy reading, cooking and swimming. I also like to travel a lot.
The two things I am most passionate about are PFF and 9.9 Travels, two very different ventures with very different goals. In the coming years, I hope to do more for the people who are in need of help, particularly in the field of education and health. I want to expand PFF and its operations. More young people need to come forward and contribute to sustainable development. I want 9.9 Travels to become the best and the largest in the country, too.
