807 GPA-5 Achievers Honored at Shamsul Haque Khan School and College

Shamsul Haque Khan School and College in the capital hosted a reception Saturday for 807 students who achieved GPA-5 in this year's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.

The programme was organised under the slogan, "Having crossed countless days and nights, let us move relentlessly towards the future as explorers of tomorrow."

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam attended as chief guest. Reserved women's seat MP Shirin Sultana, former acting mayor of Dhaka City Corporation Nabiullah Nabi and Wari Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami were present as special guests.

Governing body Chairman Ferdous Hossain Rony presided over the programme, which began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a discussion and cultural performances by students.

In his welcome address, Principal Habibur Rahman Molla said the institution was established on 24 kathas of land donated by Shamsul Haque Khan and has gradually grown from a kindergarten into a full-fledged school and college.

He said the institution's record of academic success dates back to 1995 when its students first appeared in SSC examinations, while its achievements in junior scholarship examinations began in 1998.

"Because of its emphasis on discipline and quality education, the institution has become one of the country's recognised educational establishments," he said, adding that it has secured first place under the Dhaka Education Board.

He said 13 clubs are operating at the institution to help students develop extracurricular skills.

The principal highlighted waterlogging during the rainy season, saying many students cannot attend classes due to poor road and drainage conditions. He urged the DSCC administrator to improve access roads and drainage around the campus.

Speaking on behalf of SSC graduates, student Rafsanul Haque called on fellow students to become ambitious, responsible and socially conscious citizens.

Student Sadia Rahman Majumdar said the reception would inspire students as they embark on the next stage of their lives.

On behalf of guardians, Mohammad Ali said the institution, which emerged from a paddy-field area, has now earned recognition at home and abroad. He urged the DSCC to address road access and waterlogging.

Engineer Saiful Islam Manik advised students to focus not only on academic achievement but also on manners, ethics and moral values.

Special guest Nabiullah Nabi said the institution had grown from a modest beginning into an establishment spreading its influence across Bangladesh.

"Alongside education, improvements in infrastructure and communication are necessary to expand this light of knowledge," he said, urging the DSCC administrator to improve surrounding infrastructure.

MP Shirin Sultana praised the principal and teachers, saying strong academic results were the outcome of collective efforts by students, guardians and teachers.

"An SSC result is only one stage in life. Along with good results, students must grow into good human beings," she said.

She said initiatives would be taken to address waterlogging around the institution and urged parents to remain vigilant to keep children away from drugs.

Governing body Chairman Ferdous Hossain Rony said graduates would go on to become scientists, engineers and professionals in various fields.

"But above all, they must become humane and responsible citizens," he said, urging students to verify information before accepting it.

Chief guest Abdus Salam urged high-achieving students not to focus solely on going abroad but also to consider their responsibilities towards Bangladesh.

He called on students to keep their school and surroundings clean, saying meaningful change is possible if everyone works sincerely from their own position.

"Let us change ourselves, and Dhaka will change," he said.

The DSCC administrator urged everyone to plant at least one tree to protect the environment and reduce air pollution and called on residents not to dump waste on roads and public spaces.

He said a plan to address waterlogging in the area would be adopted within a week. He also announced a grant of Tk 500,000 for the institution and said efforts would be made to bring the Prime Minister to the campus.

Recalling its humble beginnings with 120 students and a makeshift fence, he said it has grown into a multi-storey complex while maintaining strong academic results.

At the end of the programme, guests handed over crests and tree saplings to all 807 GPA-5 achievers. The programme concluded with planting of saplings on the school campus.