An acid attack survivor has cleared this year's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams in Tala upazila of Satkhira.
Sonali Khatun, 19, a student of the local Kumira Pilot Girls High School, obtained a grade point average of 4.96 in her SSC (vocational) tests.
Sonali became the victim of an acid attack on November 19, 2002, when she was only 18 days old.
She was first rushed to an area clinic before being admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital for long-term treatment. After that she received healthcare at a hospital in Dhaka for a year.
A case was filed in connection with the attack, and the perpetrators are now serving their prison sentences.
Sonali's father, Nur Islam, told Dhaka Tribune: “My highly talented daughter overcame many hurdles and did well in her SSC exams through hard work. I am proud to be her father.”
Nur also said he wanted Sonali to pursue higher education.
Their neighbours had thrown acid at and severely injured Sonali and her mother, Khodeja Begum, in their sleep over a dispute, Nur said.
There was finally some happiness in their home after many ups and downs, he said.
Sonali meanwhile said she was extremely happy with her results and hoped to enrol at a higher education institution in the future.
Everyone from her classmates to her teachers had given her immense support and encouragement over the years, she added.
Kumira Pilot Girls High School Headmaster Goutam Kumar Das said every teacher at the school was proud of Sonali's accomplishment.
Sonali's indomitable mental strength, courage and everyone's cooperation had helped her come this far, and it was important for public and private organizations as well as individuals to support her in pursuing higher education, he added.
