Shefali Begum Passes HSC at 52 in Dimla, Nilphamari, With GPA 4.21

Shefali Begum of Dimla upazila in Nilphamari has set an example by passing the HSC examination at the age of 52. She obtained GPA 4.21. Her success has created discussion in the area.

Shefali Begum is a resident of Kaliganj village in Dimla upazila. She was married when she was only one and a half years old. In 1985, while studying in class eight, she moved to her husband's home and her studies stopped.

After that, a long time passed managing her family, children and household responsibilities. Alongside her family, Shefali was also involved in social activities. In 2011 she was elected a reserved women's member of the union parishad. She served for two consecutive terms from 2011 to 2021.

But the dream of higher education never disappeared from her mind. In 2020, encouraged by her husband and son, she picked up books again. She enrolled at Gomnati Business Management College in Domar upazila.

In 2023, Shefali passed the SSC examination with GPA 4.29. This time she has also succeeded in the HSC.

Shefali Begum said, 'Studying while managing the household was very difficult. After finishing the day's work I would sit down to study after 9 pm. I had no private tutor. I learned English from my children. Sometimes it would be 1 or 2 in the morning while studying and I would not even notice. I had long dreamed of attaining higher education. Now I have moved another step towards fulfilling that dream.'

She also said, 'Age is no barrier. Many may think whether studying is possible at this age. But I have done it. In future I want to enrol in honours and continue my studies.'

Shefali's husband Mokchedul Alam said, 'We always encouraged her to study. We said, you do not have to get a great result, just come back passing. We also helped with the daily household work to give her the opportunity to study.'

Her eldest son Abdur Razzak is delighted at his mother's success. He said, 'I am very happy at my mother's achievement. Her success is a matter of pride for our family. This joy cannot be expressed in words.'

Shefali Begum's next dream is to earn an honours degree. Her success at the age of 52 has become a topic of discussion in the area.