Amputee JSC examinee has high hopes for future

Both hands of Zahidul Islam had to be amputated in an electrocution incident when he was a student of first grade. But that could not deter him from his pursuit of getting education.

Seven years later, Zahidul is attending this year’s Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) examinations under Jashore Education Board at Monirampur Government Girls’ High School centre.

Out of 20 eighth graders from Dhaligati Secondary School in Monirampur upazila of Jashore, Zahidul ranks sixth in the merit list.

Zahidul secured 4.5 GPA when he appeared for Primary Education Completion examinations from Lauri Government Primary School, said Dilip Kumar Paul, the school’s headteacher.

Born to brickfield worker Mahbubur Rahman and Rashida Begum from Agarhati village in Monirampur upazila, Zahidul has three siblings.

His father Mahbubur, who makes only Tk 400 a day to support his family and his elderly mother, said despite the fact that he could not spend much for Zahidul’s education, his son has always been a good student and loss of his hands or financial troubles of the family could not dampen his spirit. 

The doctors amputated his son’s hands to save his life. Despite physical challenges, Zahidul has good attendance at school and he is good in sports. He can ride a bicycle too, Mahbubur also said.  

Haider Ali, headteacher of Monirampur Government Girls’ High School and also in-charge of the JSC exam centre, said they were ensuring that Zahidul gets all necessary support while taking exams at the centre. 

“As per rule, physically challenged students like him will get an additional 20 minutes to complete their answers,” he added.

While speaking with this correspondent, Zahidul said he believes that education is the only way to a brighter future and although he has physical disabilities, he hopes to contribute to the wellbeing of his family as well as the country after getting higher education in agriculture.

His parents said Zahidul is the eldest among his siblings and they all have high hopes for him.