Senior ASP Rabiul Karim Kamrul was killed while trying to prevent the militant attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan. After his death, many thought that the special school established by him called 'Blooms' would close down.
Thankfully, with the support of his family and others, the school for children with special abilities is running properly.
The school began functioning from 2011 in Katigram, Manikganj, on a plot Rabiul got from his mother. The full name of the school is: Beaconing Light Organisation of Mankind and Society or Blooms in short.
In the last eight years, the school has morphed from a tin shed building to a three room building, with 42 students. There are rides for children and foreign organisation SSTS supported in making Rabiul’s dream a reality.
Despite many adversities, Rabiul’s followers and friends are carrying out the school’s work. In addition to education, lessons on knitting, computer and beauty parlour trainings are provided.
Rabiul’s wife Umme Salma, brother Shamsuzzaman Shams, head master Jahangir Alam are working tirelessly.
Blooms offers education, entertainment and joy for children with certain disabilities and special abilities. Rabiul’s younger brother Shamsuzzaman Shams, said: “The school is run by a 15-member management committee. On Jul 16, 2016, Blooms was incorporated at the ministry of social welfare as an NGO.”
Director of Blooms, Jahangir Alam, says: “Children with voice/hearing impediments, cerebral palsy and Autism are taught four days a week. We also have sports and other facilities.”
In 2017, a day meal was started at the school with the assistance of locals. Two teachers of the school, Shamima Nasrin Shaon and Shamima Nasrin Sathi, say they are working here to give material form to Rabiul’s dream.
“We take classes from 9am till 2pm; we are proud that despite many adversities we are able to teach students with special needs.”
Rabiul’s wife Umme Salma pursues her late husband's dream working among the children of the school and adds: “I look at the students as my own children and want to fulfil my husband’s dream.”