Kathmandu, November 7:

Hasina Banu, the first Muslim woman to join the government security organisation of Nepal, says she joined the Nepal Police to show the world that women, too, can make a living and earn prestige.

The 23-year-old Muslim woman of Latikoili village development committee-2 of Surkhet, joined the police force as a constable nine months ago. Following the completion of training, Banu has been posted at the Surkhet District Police Office.

Hasina, the third wife of Ajit Baksa, a driver by profession, says she got a divorce as her husband did not love her. “As I found no other option to make a living, I dared to join the police force,” she said, adding: “I joined the police force to prove to my husband and the society that women can also earn money and social prestige.”

Before joining the force, she was confined to household chores like sewing, cutting and sticthing clothes. “After joining the Nepal Police, I learnt to respect the elders and came to know what an organisation means. “I learnt about my country, politics, human rights. I feel I have become a civilised human being,” she noted. Training was an uphill task for Hasina. “It was very very difficult for me because I was not so strong physically. But I managed to complete the training because of dedication and cooperation from trainers,” she said.

“Hasina is the first female Muslim to join any security organisation of the country. Her accomplishment has made us proud,” said Shyam Singh Thapa, Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Administration Section of Police Headquarters. “We should admire the courage of Hasina, who is from a conservative community, to join the police force,” he said.