He was born without legs but he did not let his physical disability stop him.

Now in his 30s, Md Shohag Hosen has a rare disorder characterised by the absence of legs. He has only two small feet linked to his hips which help him balance and move.

Son of Shahid Howlader of Bhola, Shohag wanted to overcome his disability by pursuing his education but poverty forced him to give up and find work to support his six-member family.

In 2000, at the age of 17, Shohag went to Dhaka and started to work as an assistant of a motor mechanic in Jatrabari. Soon, he earned fame as a mechanic in the area.

But misfortune followed him after his employer's death in 2007. He went back to Barisal where his family lives.

In 2008, he married Lutfa Begum and the couple have a six-year-old daughter now. His parents and college-going sister also stay with him in his Kazipara residence.

“After returning to Barisal I opened a tea-stall to support my family but I had to close my business after some years due to a loss.

But I didn't lose heart,” said a determined Shohag.

He now drives a battery-run rickshaw which has been improvised by him.

“By driving my rickshaw I earn Tk 400 to Tk 600 a day but it is not enough to maintain my large family,” said Shohag.

“I have to look after my ailing mother and bear the education expenses of my younger sister and daughter with my income,” he said, adding, “I could not study after class-V but I want my sister and daughter to finish their education.”

Shohag's wife said, “I feel proud of my husband. He always inspires us to be self-dependent and tries to fulfil all our demands.”

For some extra money, Shohag repairs auto-rickshaws beside roads.

“It would have been easier for me to continue this job if I had a workshop,” he said.

“Driving a rickshaw is very risky for a person like me. Besides some passengers do not board on my vehicle seeing my physical condition,” he added.

“My dream is to establish a motor vehicle repairing workshop and create work opportunities for others. I just need some money for it,” said a hopeful Shohag.

Abul Kalam, an auto-rickshaw owner of the area, said, “We always take our auto-rickshaws to Shohag for repair work. At the beginning, he used to do that for free. Now we pay him but he never demands extra.”

Shohag could have been a burden for his family, but he did not let his physical disability stop him, said Kalam.