Teacher Doing Social Work In Faridpur | Nurul Islam: A teacher whose lessons go beyond the classroom
He plants trees, feeds poor, and buys gifts for underprivileged children
Photo: Suzit Kumar Das/Star
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Photo: Suzit Kumar Das/Star
Md Nurul Islam, 46, teaches chemistry at Faridpur Government Girls’ High School. But to many in Faridpur town, he is known for much more than his subject. Quietly and consistently, he has gone beyond the role of a teacher to become a guardian of the community — dedicating his time, resources, and compassion to humanitarian work that touches lives far beyond the school gates.
Each month, Nurul sets aside a portion of his salary to plant trees, distribute food among the poor, and gift new clothes to underprivileged children during Eid celebration. “Teaching is my profession, but social service is my passion,” he says.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Born and raised in Komlapur area of Faridpur, Nurul is the eldest of six siblings. His father, Abdur Rahman Fakir, was a freedom fighter and health assistant. His mother, Nur Begum, was a homemaker. Nurul is married to Shamima Nasrin, and together they have two children, completing a family rooted in love, service, and community values.
Nurul traces his values back to his mother’s teachings — “As you pursue your studies, always strive to grow into a kind and compassionate human being.”
Photo: Suzit Kumar Das/Star
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Photo: Suzit Kumar Das/Star
As a seventh grader at Faridpur Zilla School, he once gave his share of biryani and fruit—offered after exams—to a street child, returning home hungry. Deeply moved, his mother fed him and encouraged him to continue supporting the underprivileged. Later, in ninth grade, he gave the Tk 10 his father had given him for lunch to beggars at the local haat. Since then, acts of kindness have become a way of life for him.
After completing his bachelor’s in chemistry in 2000 and master’s in 2001, Nurul joined Faridpur Government Girls’ High School in 2006. “I chose teaching because only teachers have the power to shape great human beings,” he said.
Since 2019, Nurul began formalising his social efforts, committing to at least one act of kindness every month. So far, he has planted around 60,000 trees — including krishnachura, radachura, shimul, palm, coconut, sheuli, and palash — along roadsides and school premises.
“I don’t just plant trees; I also take care of everyone who comes to visit them,” he said.
Photo: Suzit Kumar Das/Star
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Photo: Suzit Kumar Das/Star
Nurul regularly shops for the poor, helps beggars, and supports those in need—all from his own pocket. Though many have offered financial assistance, both locally and from abroad, he has declined. “I want to do social service with my own money. That gives me true satisfaction,” he said.
Mahbub Hossain Pial, a resident of Komlapur, said, “We have seen Nurul bhai since childhood. He is more than a teacher — he is a guardian of the community. Many don’t even know how silently he helps others. The trees he planted now shade our locality in green.”
His students echo the sentiment. “Sir doesn’t just teach chemistry, he teaches us how to be human,” said Raima Akter, a class 8 student. “Once he told us, “‘If you can be a good person, that is real education.’ That is the biggest lesson of my life.”
Amal Kumar Saha, headteacher of the school, described him as “an asset”. “Nurul Islam is not just a chemistry teacher. His humanitarian activities set a powerful example for students. We are proud to have him at our institution,” he said.
