Chittagong: Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today emphasized the importance of ensuring that no meritorious student misses examinations due to financial constraints. “No student in Bangladesh should drop out due to poverty – this is the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,” he stated while addressing a programme at the Barkal Upazila administration auditorium after taking responsibility for facilitating an SSC examinee’s participation in her upcoming exams.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ishika Chakma, a promising student from Juno Pahar High School in Barkal, faced the possibility of missing her SSC examination due to a financial shortfall of Tk 7,000. Her family had informed the school authorities about their inability to cover the examination costs. Upon learning of her situation, the minister immediately announced that the government would cover all expenses related to her examination. “We will do whatever is necessary to fulfil Ishika’s dream,” he assured.
Addressing the students, Dewan conveyed the prime minister’s vision, stating, “The prime minister has instructed that no student in Bangladesh should be left behind.” During a meeting with the upazila administration, he also declared an allocation of Tk 10 lakh through the Rangamati Hill District Council to support students in the remote areas of Barkal, Juraichhari, and Bilaichhari upazilas. He expressed his hope that financial hardships would not prevent students from sitting for examinations in the future.
Drawing from his own experiences, the minister shared that he too had been an ordinary student and, through perseverance, joined the BCS Judicial Service. He encouraged students to study attentively, assuring them, “The government and I are with you.” During the meeting, Dewan also promised to address mobile network issues in Barkal and initiate dredging work to restore the navigability of Kaptai Lake. He called on everyone to collaborate in advancing the government’s development initiatives.
The event, chaired by Barkal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Atonu Barua, was also attended by Rangamati Hill Zila Parishad Chief Executive Officer Khondokar Md Rizaul Karim, Zone Commander Major Farhat An Naim, and local political leaders, among others.