In the heart of Shudhirpur, a quiet village tucked away in Kalapara Upazila, Patuakhali, one woman is shaping the future of her community. As the world observes World Health Day 2025 on Sunday (7 April 2025) with the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,” the story of Parveen stands as a living testament to its meaning.
Her journey, fueled by compassion, courage, and an unshakable sense of responsibility, began not in the halls of a hospital, but on the banks of village ponds where children’s lives were silently slipping away, according to a statement.
Through her work as a Community Swimming Instructor and later as an Anchal Maa, Parveen has become the symbol of healthy beginnings in Shudhirpur—teaching survival swimming, providing early childhood care, and delivering life-saving first response during emergencies.
Her hands have revived breathless children, her presence has comforted panicked families, and her story inspires a generation. In a world striving for hopeful futures, Parveen reminds us that health doesn’t start in a clinic; it starts with empowered individuals, community care, and the fearless will to make a difference.
I met Parveen three times, and each time, I walked away more inspired than before. Her energy, resilience, and unwavering dedication to saving lives left a profound impact on me.
In a time when women in Bangladesh face immense social pressure, Parveen stands tall—a beacon of hope in the quiet village of Shudhirpur, Kalapara Upazila. She is not just a caregiver; she is a lifesaver, a guardian angel who has become the most trusted figure in her community.
Her journey began in 2016 when she started her career as a Community Swimming Instructor of a project by Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB). Parveen taught survival swimming to 250 children in her community.
Her commitment to child drowning prevention earned a special recognition from the district administration. But Parveen's mission didn’t stop there.
In 2017, she embraced a new role as an Anchal Maa, providing quality early childcare education while continuing her fight against drowning. In both role she equipped with first response training, she became the village’s most trusted figure in times of emergency, known for her swift action and unwavering resolve.
Her reputation as a lifesaver was cemented in October 2022, when a desperate situation tested her skills. A young boy, Rabiul, had stopped breathing after drowning.
While others feared the worst, Parveen refused to give up. She performed CPR tirelessly for over two hours, from the incident site to the healthcare center and finally to the district hospital—until, against all odds, Rabiul took a breath again.
Two years later, in November 2024, history repeated itself. A child named Mahir lay unresponsive, with no signs of life after a drowning incident.
The community wept, believing they had lost him. But Parveen, with her unwavering determination, began CPR. When the first attempt failed, she tried again—until, miraculously, Mahir gasped for air.
The families and the entire community celebrated her heroic efforts, calling her an "angel of life". In a time when women in Bangladesh facing immense social pressure, Parveen’s courage, resilience, and selfless service shine as a guiding light, proving that one woman’s dedication can change an entire community.
The article is authored by Nahid Akther, Communication Manager, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB).
