Despite being blind since birth, 19-year-old Sharif Ali has refused to let his disability hinder his dreams. With determination, hard work, and an unwavering desire for higher education, he is now taking the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.
A student of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School, Sharif hails from the Gobindanagar Munshirhat area of the town. Even though the family has limited incomes, his parents have always been committed to educating their son. Sharif began his academic journey by learning lessons orally from family members.
He later completed his primary education at Gobindanagar Government Primary School and enrolled in Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School in 2021. Continuing his studies with perseverance, he sits for the SSC examinations with the assistance of a scribe at Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School center.
His scribe is Shayla Akhter, a 15-year-old eighth-grade student from Munshirhat in Sadar upazila.
Initially, Sharif faced uncertainty as he could not find a scribe. After the issue was highlighted in the media, Shayla voluntarily stepped forward. Following approval from the Dinajpur Education Board, she officially took on the role.
Before the exam, Shayla said, “If Sharif bhai can achieve good results through my handwriting, that will be my greatest satisfaction.”
Sharif also expressed his aspirations, saying, “My parents tried a lot to restore my eyesight. I want to study, get a job, and support them so that we can live well.”
Despite his visual impairment, Sharif has actively participated in classroom learning as well as co-curricular activities. Turning his limitations into strengths, he has reached an important milestone in his life.
Shahanur Begum Chowdhury, center secretary and acting head teacher, said that a fair examination environment has been ensured, with all necessary support provided for students with special needs, including an additional 15 minutes per hour as per government guidelines.
Sharif’s journey is not just a personal story of struggle—it stands as a powerful message for society: no matter how difficult the circumstances, determination and perseverance can pave the way to success.
