PABNA, Mar 8, 2026 (V7N) – On International Women’s Day, the story of Anuja Saha Annie, a 35‑year‑old entrepreneur from Pabna, stands out as a powerful example of resilience and self‑reliance. Starting with just Tk 1,000 and a home‑cooked food delivery service, Annie has built a thriving business over 14 years, creating jobs for dozens of women and inspiring many more.

After completing her MSc in 2012, Annie struggled to find employment. Facing family hardship and her husband’s business downturn, she turned to entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from newspaper stories of women who had succeeded on their own. With her mother’s support and cooking skills, she began supplying pitha, cakes, sweets, rice and biryani to households and institutions in Pabna. Her venture quickly gained recognition, and she expanded into a restaurant named “Mayer Parash”, which also serves affordable meals to the poor.

Today, Annie employs 40 to 50 women, pays regular salaries, and manages household expenses from her growing income. She has also received training from BSCIC, Youth Development, and the Women’s Affairs Department, further strengthening her business acumen. “No job is small. You can’t sit idle in fear. Work hard, persevere, and success will come,” she said, urging young women to embrace entrepreneurship.

Her husband, Biplab Kumar, admitted initial doubts but now supports her fully. “Gradually, as the business grew, I stood by her. Together, we want to provide better quality food to the people of Pabna,” he said. Human rights activist Kamal Siddiqui praised Annie’s journey, noting that she has become a role model for women in her community, while Advocate Kamrunnahar Jolly, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Pabna branch, said Annie’s success has inspired many others to start their own ventures.

From a modest beginning with Tk 1,000 to becoming a beacon of empowerment, Annie’s journey reflects the spirit of International Women’s Day. Her story underscores how determination and community support can transform lives, turning challenges into opportunities and inspiring women across Bangladesh to stand tall in a patriarchal society.

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