With the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations scheduled to begin on April 21, 19-year-old Sharif Ali, a visually impaired student from Thakurgaon, is facing uncertainty over his participation due to the unavailability of a scribe.
Blind since birth, Sharif has overcome numerous challenges to pursue his education. Although he lost a couple of academic years along the way, he never gave up and is now fully prepared to sit for the SSC examinations from Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School. However, the absence of a scribe now threatens to derail his long-cherished goal.
Despite his visual impairment, his family remained committed to his education from an early age, helping him learn lessons orally. He was later enrolled at Gobindonagar Government Primary School, where he completed his primary education before being admitted to Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School in 2021.
According to the “Public and Class Examination Scribe Service Policy-2025,” visually impaired students are required to take examinations with the assistance of a scribe. The policy states that applications for a scribe must be submitted soon after the exam schedule is announced.
In the case of SSC candidates, an eighth-grade student is eligible to serve as a scribe. Candidates may nominate their own scribe, or the examination centre authorities are responsible for arranging one if necessary.
Despite repeated efforts, Sharif has yet to find a scribe. Recently, he made an appeal on Facebook seeking assistance.
“I am a visually impaired student. I have dreams and ambitions, but I cannot write on my own. I need a writer (scribe) for my exams. Will my dream of sitting for the SSC fade away just because I cannot find one? Is there anyone who will stand by me from a place of humanity?” he wrote.
Sharing his struggles further, Sharif said he had faced multiple barriers throughout his academic journey.
“When I went to enroll at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School after completing primary education, I had to face many obstacles. Even the Thakurgaon Social Services Office did not provide me with any kind of support,” he said.
He added: “There are integrated education programs for visually impaired students in all 64 districts of Bangladesh, where students receive various forms of support. But I have not received any assistance from such initiatives.”
Speaking about his current situation, Sharif said: “My parents have made countless efforts to restore my vision. If I can complete my education and secure a job, I hope to repay their sacrifices. But now I am worried about whether I will be able to sit for the exam at all.”
His mother, Sofura Begum, also expressed deep concern over her son’s future. “Despite his disability, Sharif has always had a strong desire to study. His SSC exam is approaching, but we have not been able to find anyone to write for him. He feels disheartened, and it is painful for us to think that he may not be able to take the exam,” she said.
Motahar Ul Alam, headteacher of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School, said that school is aware of the issue. “We advised Sharif to look for a scribe among his acquaintances. If he is still unable to find one, we will arrange a scribe for him,” he said.
As the examination date draws near, Sharif’s situation highlights the persistent challenges in ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, despite the existence of supportive policies.