A small support to go a long way

After his secondary school certificate (SSC) exam, his poverty-stricken parents considered stopping his education or at best admit him to a local college in Joypurhaat.

But the boy had a bigger dreams -- to study at a top college in the country. In June, he left home without telling his parents, after securing GPA-5 in his SSC.

“Without informing my parents, I started pulling rickshaw with the intention to save some money for my college admission,” the shy teenage boy -- preferring not to disclose his name -- told The Daily Star yesterday at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) yesterday.

Later, with help of a kind-hearted patron in the city, the boy has taken his first step towards fulfilling his dream -- starting his 11th grade (science) at Notre Dame College.

Like him, some 2,038 disadvantaged but extraordinary students -- including 38 visually impaired ones -- who passed SSC this year and are currently enrolled in college education, were awarded scholarships at a programme organised by Dutch Bangla Bank Ltd.

Each of the students will get Tk 2,000 per month for the next two years, along with Tk 3,500 as annual grant for reading materials and clothing.

“Although it is a small amount, it would help me a lot. Besides, there is chance for extension of the scholarship if I can do well in HSC,” Mitu, a visually-impaired girl who has enrolled into Badrunnesa College in the capital, told this newspaper.

She says her dream is to study in Jahangirnagar University. At the beginning of the programme, three previous scholarship-holders shared their stories of struggle, and expressed gratitude to DBBL for lending a helping hand in their journey.

Helal Uddin, a lecturer of the department of fisheries management at Bangladesh Agricultural Univertsity -- who received the DBBL scholarship in 2010, spoke at the programme. “After HSC, my father sold our cow and gave me Tk 17,000. DBBL’s scholarship was a big support for me.”

Speaking as chief guest, Law Minister Anisul Huq said, “The stories of the students prove no hardship can stop them.”

The minister also spoke of the ongoing anti-corruption drive by the government.

“The most concerning fact is that the crimes are being committed by educated people, and there is no such crime which is not being committed by educated people. It is high time to think about the reason,” the minister said.

Speaking as special guest, Fazle Kabir, governor of Bangladesh Bank praised the students who received scholarships. “It’s not a kindness to you; it’s a recognition of your merit.”

Sayem Ahmed, chairman of the board of directors of DBBL, presided over the programme while Abul Kashem Md Shirin, managing director and chief executive officer of DBBL, delivered the vote of thanks at the programme.