PABNA, July 30 (V7N) – Defying physical challenges, 65-year-old Moktar Hossain has spent nearly four decades teaching students while travelling on a bicycle using only one leg, proving that determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

A resident of Shahpara area under Bera Municipality in Pabna, Moktar has continued his journey with one functioning leg, a bicycle, and extraordinary courage. Although one of his legs is disabled and one hand is weaker than normal, he has never surrendered to hardship. Supported by a walking stick, he travels from home to home across different neighbourhoods of Bera to teach primary-level students.

Moktar’s life is a story of resilience. He lost the ability to use his right leg after being affected by polio at the age of five, while his right hand also became weak. Growing up in poverty, he learned from childhood how to move forward despite physical limitations.

His family could not afford a wheelchair or other support equipment, so a simple walking stick became his companion. Despite his difficulties, Moktar remained a dedicated student and consistently ranked among the top students in his class. He dreamed of completing his education and securing a government job, but family responsibilities forced him to abandon those ambitions.

While studying in Class 10, Moktar’s father remarried and became largely separated from the family. With three brothers and eight sisters depending on them, he had to take responsibility for the household at a young age. His education came to an end, and he started a small grocery shop to support his family.

Alongside running the shop, he began tutoring a few local students. His academic ability and passion for teaching gradually earned him recognition in the community. Eventually, he left the business and devoted himself entirely to private tutoring.

Teaching was not easy. As he had completed education up to secondary level, he mainly taught students from Classes 1 to 5, many of whom came from low-income families. Travelling door to door on foot was extremely difficult, and he could not afford regular transport. He then arranged a bicycle and began learning to ride it using one leg.

Mastering one-legged cycling was a major challenge, but his determination helped him overcome the difficulties. For nearly 40 years, the bicycle has remained his main means of transportation, with his walking stick accompanying him during both cycling and walking.

“Since childhood, I have fought against hardship. I wanted to achieve more through education, but family responsibilities changed my path. I have never stopped working. I want to continue teaching as long as my health allows. If my life inspires someone, that is my greatest achievement,” Moktar said.

Income from private tutoring remains his family’s main source of livelihood. Due to his age, he now teaches at five to six homes, compared to eight to ten previously. He does not set a fixed fee; instead, he accepts whatever families can afford. His monthly income is around Tk 10,000.

Moktar lives in a modest tin-roofed house and continues to face financial struggles. He has one son and two daughters. After years of savings and borrowing money, he sent his son to Singapore for work. His younger daughter is currently studying in Class 9.

His wife Helena Khatun said Moktar never gave up despite financial hardship and physical difficulties. “I am proud of his dedication and hard work,” she said.

One of his former students, Abdul Kalam Azad, an assistant professor of geography at Manzur Kader Women’s Degree College in Bera, said Moktar taught him in Classes 4 and 5. “He taught us not only lessons from books but also the values of courage and perseverance. His life is an inspiring example of never giving up,” he said.

For nearly 40 years, Moktar Hossain’s one-legged bicycle journey has become a symbol of courage, determination, and the power of an unbreakable spirit.

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