People once made snide remarks about him; now neighbours, friends and relatives take inspiration from him. Alongside his studies, he is gradually establishing himself as a successful entrepreneur by rearing chickens, and others are seeking his advice to start poultry or other businesses of their own.

The story is that of Jihad Pathan, a Class 12 student at Panchrukhi Begum Anwara Degree College in Araihazar, Narayanganj. He lives in the Panchbaria area of Duptara union in Araihazar. His father is Jahangir Pathan.

Jihad started rearing chickens on a small scale on the roof of his house, but has since built a medium-sized farm, which now holds about 3,000 chickens. He is also thinking of setting up a goat farm and has already brought in six goats.

Describing how he began, Jihad said: "During Covid we could not leave the house, and schools and colleges were closed. I spent the whole day at home. One day I watched a video about chicken rearing on my phone. It inspired me to watch several more, and from then on I planned to rear chickens. I began in a small way on the roof."

"Now I have built a farm in a separate place. There are about 3,000 chicks there. After two months of rearing they will be grown and ready to sell. I am also keeping a few goats along with the chickens. I plan to grow the business slowly like this."

Asked how he is inspiring others, Jihad said: "There is a sir I used to take private tuition from. Now he looks at me and says with regret that it would have been good if he had done something early, like me; then he would not have to run around with his CV looking for a job."

He said his friends, seeing him, are also planning to rear chickens or do something else alongside their studies, which pleases him.

Jihad said he has no wish to take a job in future. "Given the state of the job market in our country, I think it is better to do something, even on a small scale, instead of looking for a job. It will grow slowly. I hope to expand my business further. Instead of working under someone else, people will find work here with me."

Fahim, the younger uncle who helps Jihad, said: "I could not study. Two years ago I worked in a factory. Then Jihad told me he would start a chicken farm and I had to help him. I did not say no. Alongside his studies, instead of wasting time like others, he comes and works at the farm. He inspires me too, and I give him time and help now and then."

Jihad's father Jahangir Pathan told Jagonews: "My son wanted to do something alongside his studies and I did not say no. I supported him. Many relatives did not take it well at first, though some encouraged him too. I believe that if he can keep it up, one day he can become a big entrepreneur, and everyone will be proud of him."

District livestock officer Basna Akhter told Jagonews it was a very good sign that he is doing something alongside his studies. More importantly, she said, he is helping meet the country's demand for protein and building himself up as a new entrepreneur. She welcomed him and said others would be inspired by him.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.