Atesham

The journey is about to end, but let me introduce you to a very important person who accompanied me during my stay in Bangladesh: Atesham, my Grameen Bank Coordinator.
Atesham started working at Grameen Bank from the very beginning; that’s why he knows all about it and feels part of the Institute’s philosophy. It is amazing to hear what he has to say. Every word of speech transmits his passion for the cause.
He began working for the bank in a very poor area of Bangladesh, a great challenge for someone that had just finished his studies. First he was Second Officer for a branch and he was rapidly promoted to Branch Manager. At those times the conditions at villages were much poorer than they are now. There were no streets and the land kept flooded by summer rains.
Grameen employees had to walk or ride a bike to get to the center meetings. Atesham traveled around the village for weeks, visiting the inhabitants, schools, mosques and markets to present the Grameen project of small loans. Nowadays, Grameen is widely known in Bangladesh (it is the most important bank within the country) and the world, but it wasn’t easy at the beginning to convince the poorest people of the country that the opportunity that GB offered was unique and convenient for their situation. Many groups rose against Grameen: wealthy inhabitants, religious groups and political parties, etc. But Atesham succeed creating a bound with them.
Not many months passed before this Branch Manager gathered 1.000 members. His main aim was to relieve the situation of the disadvantaged people of his country. He made people understand that they could have a better life if they got together with a common goal, themselves with the aid of loans and work within community and Grameen Staff. The building of streets was a solid example of this. The Government could only provide the money for material but no for labor. Atesham together with villagers decided to do the work themselves as volunteers to build streets so as to move transit around more easily and to open market shops. Streets were ready in two months. He also managed to import 1.000 latrines for the population and he also arranged for their installation.
He shared with me some of his techniques to mix with villagers, to get to know their stories to help them in a better way. It’s all about setting up deep bonds with people and feeling true concern for them.
Knowing the people you lend the money is not enough, you have to know their family, business and desires. Soon Atesham became a role model for each person. Everybody turned to him for any problem. His never-ending work and his constant availability to help, was well known in the community. I think his idea of studying to be a Vet was great, as one of the most important problems the population has to deal with everyday is Animal Care. Many Villagers work mainly as breeders for cows, ducks, etc., so he helped them in that.
When he was transferred to another area, the number of Grameen borrowers was 3.000. This man left a mark and changed the lives of thousands of people.
I was deeply moved after I listening to him. He transmits a vivid energy when he talks about his work in Grameen, and it’s beautiful. He is an example of what we can achieve if we truthfully believe in what we do. I was very lucky that he was my coordinator.