Md. Al-Amin Gazi, a small entrepreneur from Krishnakathi village under Bakerganj Upazila in Barishal district, represents a powerful story of resilience, determination and self-reliance. Due to financial hardship in his family, he was forced to discontinue his education after completing his Secondary School Certificate (SSC).
In 2011, he began working in a library business alongside his elder brother, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to its growth and operations. Over the years, he invested his time, effort and commitment into the business. However, by 2020, he came to realize that the venture he had helped sustain had not translated into a formal ownership stake for him.
Using his previous experience, he started a small library business with a capital of BDT 200,000 by renting a small space under a staircase. Due to limited capital, he initially struggled to maintain adequate stock levels which led to low sales. Later, he contacted several publishing companies and based on his credibility and relationships, they agreed to supply books on a partial-credit basis. To increase his income and financial stability, he also purchased a photocopy machine which boosted his daily earnings and helped him gradually expand his business. During this time, he learned about WAVE Foundation’s Impact Investment Program and applied for support. After reviewing his business plan, WAVE Foundation invested BDT 100,000 on September 30, 2021, on a partnership basis. Later, on March 24, 2025, he received a second investment of BDT 300,000 which significantly contributed to the expansion of his business.
Currently, his shop holds stock worth approximately BDT 3 million and during peak season, he sells books worth around BDT 100,000 per day. He said, “Without the support of WAVE Foundation, I would not have been able to establish myself as a successful entrepreneur today.” His journey demonstrates that with the right guidance, timely investment and perseverance even a person starting with very limited resources can achieve sustainable success through entrepreneurship. Al-Amin Gazi’s journey became more inspiring when Nasefa Ali, Deputy Execuitive Director of WAVE Foundation visited his libary shop and witnessed his remarkable progress firsthand.
