Narsingdi:Defying social barriers and family challenges, Afroza Akter Mery, a mother of two from Narsingdi, has passed the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination with a GPA of 4.19 after a 19-year break from education.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mery, a student of Daulatkandi Adarsha Balika High School and College, resumed her studies in 2023, determined to fulfill her long-cherished dream of completing her education. Her academic journey was interrupted in 2007 when she was preparing for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination. Following her marriage, family responsibilities and the birth of her two children gradually forced her to put her studies on hold.
In 2012, three years after the birth of her elder son, she made an attempt to return to education by enrolling in Class IX at a local school. However, social criticism over her age and family responsibilities eventually compelled her to abandon the effort. Despite the setback, she remained determined to continue her education. In 2023, encouraged by her husband, Imrul Hasan, she contacted her former teachers and enrolled in Class IX again as a regular student.
Managing household chores and raising her children alongside her studies, Mery often stayed up late at night to prepare for examinations. Her husband played a key role in her journey, acting as her personal tutor and helping her with lessons and examination preparation. Although attending regular classes was difficult, she continued her studies with support from her teachers. Her efforts paid off in 2024 when she passed the SSC examination with a GPA of 4.55.
However, the challenges continued during her college years. Her elder son's preparation for the SSC examination, her younger son's schooling, and her own health problems made it difficult for her to devote sufficient time to studies. Undeterred, she continued preparing for the HSC examination while fulfilling her family responsibilities. She eventually passed the examination in 2026 under the Human Resource Development branch of the Bangladesh Technical Education Board, securing a GPA of 4.19.
Expressing his joy, her husband Imrul Hasan said her success demonstrated that determination, patience, and hard work could help overcome any obstacle. He said he had supported her throughout her academic journey as a personal tutor and would continue to encourage her in pursuing higher education. Mery said she was proud of herself for returning to education and achieving success while carrying out her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Her achievement after nearly two decades away from the classroom has become an inspiring example of perseverance, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue an unfinished dream.