Where meeting basic needs was a regular struggle in Ibrahim Khalil’s impoverished household, dreaming of a well-lived life seemed almost indulgent to him. Yet, he dared to aspire and through his downright resoluteness he made that dream into a reality.
Today, this thriving freelancer from Matiranga, Khagrachari, commands two IT companies, earning a monthly income between $2,000 and $3,000. His students, too, are now reaping substantial financial rewards.
Early struggles
Ibrahim's childhood was fraught with hardship. His father, a modest businessman, worked tirelessly to sustain the family, yet ensuring food remained a constant battle. A bitter reminder of their harsh reality — Ibrahim’s mother sold her earrings to cover the fees for his SSC exam form. Nevertheless, a fire of longing burned within Ibrahim to become a freelancer — a digital nomad carving his own path in the vast world of information technology (IT).
Ibrahim harboured this dream to be a independent professional from his teenage years; however, acquiring the necessary skills required a computer, an expense far beyond his family’s reach. Even so, with all the limitations, Ibrahim’s mother Ranu Begum remained a constant source of encouragement.
Even without any computer of his own, Ibrahim did not back down. Bolstered by his mother's encouragement, he sought opportunities to learn, starting with basic computer skills at a local shop. He would go to a neighbour’s house to practice on their computer, though access was not always available, limiting his use to two hours at most.
Ibrahim was able to purchase a laptop with Tk 10,000 borrowed from friends and Tk 20,000 from an uncle in 2014 and that marked the beginning of his journey.
Forging the way forward
Ibrahim seized the opportunity to acquire freelancing skills and realise his dream of becoming a successful digital nomad when an initiative from the Bangladesh government's ICT Division paved the way for him.
"In 2016, I applied for the ICT Division's Professional Outsourcing Learning and Earning Development Training and secured a spot among 100 participants from Khagrachari district. I then travelled from Matiranga to Khagrachari for the training. Now when I look back, I really want to thank the ICT Division for the opportunity," Ibrahim recalled.
Persistence pays off
The journey at the beginning was tumultuous, as Ibrahim struggled to find work for nearly one and a half years. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he landed a logo design gig for just $5 on Upwork, one of the largest freelancing platforms. He did not have to wait much longer, as later that year, he secured another project worth $50.
Ibrahim’s income started to grow from 2019; however, his dream stumbled and fell hard when his Upwork ID was suspended due to a misunderstanding. Undeterred, he continued his journey, and by 2020, he earned around Tk 80,000. Since then, he has never looked back and has only marched forward.
Beyond freelancing
As the eldest of three siblings, Ibrahim had to juggle his studies with various jobs to support his family’s expense. After completing his Secondary School Certificate (SSC), he worked for Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC’s mobile financial service (MFS) Rocket as an agent, and eventually became the distribution manager for Dutch-Bangla Bank's Khagrachari branch.
Currently, Ibrahim serves as the proprietor of Dutch-Bangla Bank's Agent Banking Matiranga branch. He also volunteers as a trainer for Matiranga Upazila's Debate Club. His achievements include the “Rising Youth Award-2023” at the “National Youth Career Carnival” in Dhaka and being named the best freelancer at the district level by the Khagrachari deputy commissioner.
However, Ibrahim's success in freelancing did not stop there. In 2021, he established his own institute, “Khalil Computer Training Centre,” in Matiranga. He began offering online graphic design courses and currently has nine batches running. Students from both Bangladesh and abroad enrol in his classes, and he has trained over 500 individuals in freelancing.
This year, he opened another training centre in the Shapla Chattar area of Khagrachari town. His students can now support their families with their income.
Ibrahim is also deeply involved in social work alongside his business ventures. Once a month, he organises meals for the destitute, orphans, and the poor. Additionally, he distributes blankets in remote areas during the winter.
Advice for aspiring freelancers
For aspiring freelancers, Ibrahim advises, "You have to be passionate and hardworking. Do not expect to earn thousands of dollars at the entry level. Quick earnings in freelancing are only possible when you have mastered several skills. Stay updated in your respective sector, engage with the community, and remember that communication skills and a good command of English are crucial."
Ibrahim's story is a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of persistence. Despite facing numerous challenges, he never gave up on his aims and ultimately achieved remarkable success. His journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
