The Daily Star honouring high achievers in O, A level exams

The Daily Star is honouring the high achievers in O- and A-Level examinations in a programme today, with the inspiring tagline "22 years of saluting the nation builders of tomorrow".

The students from both Edexcel and Cambridge are being honoured for their outstanding results in O- and A-Level at the Mirpur indoor stadium. The Daily Star is awarding a total of 2,617 students, including 1,843 O-level and 647 A-level students, for their achievements.

The awardees' parents, families, teachers, friends, and special guests are also attending the event.

The programme started with the rendition of the national anthem.

Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam welcomed all shortly after the programme began around 9:30am. By then, the indoor stadium was full to the brim.

"We are so happy and elated... We pray that each of you become a symbol of success for humanity," he told the students.

"Education means learning. Education means a lifelong curiosity for knowledge. If you are a true student of learning, your quest will never end. And that is the spirit, you must cultivate. But knowledge is very important, knowledge is vital. Along with knowledge, you must have courage," he said.

He also said, "Knowledge without courage is just a skill, but knowledge with courage is wisdom."

He urged students to build their character. "And what does it mean building your character? Adherence. Your love for your acceptance of ethics in your life. It is very important. You must be an ethical person.

"…my young students, understand the value of knowledge… but also understand the value of character, value of ethics, value of honesty and the value of truth," Mahfuz Anam added.

Mohammad Nurul Huda, director general of Bangla Academy, is attending the programme as the chief guest.

Among others, Manas Singh, CEO of STS Capital Limited; AKM Golam Kibria, chairman of AHZ Association; Abdullah Al Mamun Liton, regional development manager for Pearson Edexcel (Bangladesh and Nepal); Shahin Reza, country manager at Cambridge Assessment International Education, and Rahat Ahmed, founding partner and CEO of Anchorless Bangladesh, are attending the event.

The Daily Star initiated the unique annual event in 1999, which, over the years, has turned into a source of inspiration for many.