FROM FEAR TO JOY: RAJU & FARISTA’S STORY

DHAKA, BANGLADESH | JUNE 2025

Farista Nur, a four-month-old baby girl from Noakhali in the Chittagong District of Bangladesh, was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Her arrival brought both joy and anxiety to her family. Her father, Raju, overwhelmed by the diagnosis, struggled with fear and uncertainty. As a new parent, he wasn’t sure how to care for his daughter or support his wife through the experience. He worried about Farista’s future and how others might treat her as she grew up.

Their turning point came when Raju saw a poster in his village put up by Sajida Foundation. The poster announced that Smile Asia was coming to Dhaka to provide free cleft surgeries. For the first time, the family learned that their daughter’s condition was treatable. Filled with hope, they made a five-hour long journey to Sarkari Karmachari Hospital in Dhaka.

When they were informed that Farista would be eligible for surgery during the mission, a wave of nervous anticipation set in. Her father was anxious about the procedure and what it might mean for their little baby girl.

The transformation after surgery was profound. “Alhamdulillah,” he said in Bengali, his voice breaking as he recounted the moment. “My child looks so different.” When Raju entered the recovery room, he initially didn’t recognise his daughter. A nurse had to point her out to him. It was an emotional moment, filled with relief and overwhelming happiness.

Inspired by the dedication and care of the Smile Asia medical team, Raju now dreams of a bright future for Farista. He hopes she will grow up to be a doctor or nurse, helping others just as she had been helped.

He expressed deep gratitude to the Smile Asia and Sajida Foundation teams, wishing them continued success and blessings for the life-changing work they do for families like his.