Undaunted, yet uncertain

Fighting against tragedy and adversity, a young girl emerges, defying all odds to rise to remarkable heights. Meet Anamika Roy, a young woman from Lalmonirhat, whose indomitable spirit has led her through a journey of resilience, triumphing over the darkest of circumstances.

Anamika went through a lot. She lost her mother at the age of two, fought against her father for marrying her off as a child, secured GPA-5 in both her SSC and HSC examinations, and finally has been selected for admission to psychology department of Dhaka University.

And yet, the spectre of poverty has cast a shadow of uncertainty over her future once again, as her family does not have the financial means to support her education.

After her mother's demise, Anamika was left with her father, Amullya Barman, to be raised alone. However, the minimal wage her father earned by working at a sweatshop was barely enough to provide for her education.

Anamika's maternal uncle offered her a shelter at his home. She flourished academically and secured GPA-5 in her SSC examination from humanities in 2020.

She then got herself admitted to Lalmonirhat Government College. She came back to her father's home as the college was near his place. But fate once again tested her resolve. At the age of 17, her father attempted to marry her off against her wishes. But she fought back, rallying the support of her college teachers to call-off the imposed marriage.

She didn't stop there. After achieving GPA-5 in HSC examination, she faced the highly contested Dhaka University entrance exam, and passed with flying colours, by securing a spot in its psychology department.

"Getting a chance at Dhaka University is a significant milestone in my life. This has taken me one step ahead towards fulfilling my dream," said Anamika. "But I don't know how I will pay for my education and expenses in Dhaka. My father and relatives cannot bear such a burden. I'm trying to save my tuition money, but I don't think it'll be enough," she added, visibly worried.

Amulya Barman, while expressing joy at her daughter's admission to DU, shared the harsh reality of their financial struggle.

"Compelled by poverty, I agreed to marry off Anamika two years ago, as the groom decided on the union without a dowry. As her father, I now find myself torn with the inability to support her education financially," he said.

Prof Yusuf Ali, principal of Lalmonirhat Government College, told The Daily Star that the teachers provided all kinds of support to Anamika at HSC level. But it is not possible for the teachers to provide for Anamika's university expenses.

"Anamika is a brilliant student. We are proud of her. If she gets financial support, she will get good results in the university as well," he said.