Rangpur: Four meritorious female university-level students belonging to insolvent families received the 'Joyee Scholarship-2025' ceremonially in the city on Saturday night. The students from different universities and institutions were formally awarded cheques for Taka 24,000 each at the '387th Manon Pather Asar' of the literary organization 'Phiredeakha' held at Idea Library on Central Road in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the 'Joyee Scholarship' is being run under the patronage of American expatriate poet and novelist Cynthia Khan, opening new doors of opportunity for talented but financially challenged female students. Presided over by Tapas Mahmud, one of the pioneers of 'Phiredeakha', the programme was conducted by Shakil Masud, director of 'Joyee Scholarship', poet, and publisher.
Among others, the programme was attended by Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police and its Rangpur Range Reserve Force (RRF) Commandant, writer, and poet Md Abdur Razzaque, poets and lyricists Md Abdur Rashid and Kaiyum Khan, poets Ahmed Moudud; Nilratan Sarkar and Al Amin Islam.
The scholarship-winning students are Masters second semester student of the Department of Economics at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) Most Rajni Khatun, fifth semester student of the Department of English at BRUR Safa Sultana, seventh semester student of the Department of Economics at Jagannath University Most Habiba Akhter, and seventh semester B.Ed student of Rangpur Government Teachers Training College Most Shantana Parveen.
The scholarship winner students expressed that they had been facing obstacles in higher education due to financial hardship for a long time. This 'Joyee Scholarship' will make their educational path easier and brighter. They also pledged to support other female students in society once they become established in the future.
In his speech, DIG Abdur Razzaque stated, "Cynthia Khan has expanded the circle of inspiration for young female students. She is a worthy successor to Begum Rokeya, the great woman of Rangpur." Shakil Masud added, "Cynthia Khan is an American expatriate poet and novelist and a senior official of Bank of America. Apart from her humanitarian work, she has achieved challenging feats like Himalayan expeditions and base jumping."
He further mentioned, "This scholarship for women is not just financial support; it is a handle for their courage and a warm commitment of society towards a bright future. This initiative is to transform every girl here into a new Rokeya."
Meritorious and poor female students studying in universities or seeking admission can apply for the 'Joyee Scholarship' for 2026 on the 'Phiredeakha' Facebook page: by December 15, 2025.