JHALAKATHI, Mar 8, (V7N) – Women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh continue to break barriers and inspire others, with Kalpana Rani of Jhalakathi emerging as a shining example. Starting with just Tk 10,000 two decades ago, she has built a packaging business now valued at nearly Tk 1 crore, creating jobs for women in her community.

Kalpana began her journey by making paper packets at home after taking a small loan from a local NGO. “The beginning was very difficult. I would make packets sitting at home, then go to shops and sell them myself. But I didn’t give up,” she recalled. With the support of her husband, she gradually expanded operations, establishing Swarna Packaging in a rented house on College Road, named after her younger daughter. The company now produces packets of various sizes used for packaging biryani, sweets and other foods, supplying shops across Jhalakathi and neighboring districts.

Her factory employs six women and three men, while five more women work from home. Workers earn around Tk 500 per day, and Kalpana takes pride in providing opportunities to women abandoned by their husbands or struggling to support families. “They are earning their own living and helping their families. That makes me proud,” she said.

Despite her success, Kalpana faces challenges. The rented factory building is in a low‑lying area prone to flooding, damaging raw materials and finished goods. She also lacks modern machinery, which limits production capacity. “We need modern machines costing Tk 7–8 lakh. If we had them, production could increase further,” she explained. She hopes to secure a plot in the BSCIC industrial area to build a permanent, modern facility.

Local activists and officials have praised her achievements. Kabita Haldar of the Conscious Citizens Committee said Kalpana’s initiative is “commendable” and inspires other women to become self‑reliant. District Women’s Affairs Officer Dilara Khanam noted that the government is offering training and support to women entrepreneurs, while Al Amin, Deputy Manager of BSCIC, confirmed that eligible entrepreneurs can apply for industrial plots. Kalpana herself remains determined: “I want this small initiative to grow bigger. More women should work here and support their families with their own income.”

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