Left studies to support family, Ali Akbar passes SSC at 54

'Age is just a number' — Ali Akbar of Bagatipara in Natore proved that with strong willpower, success is achievable at any age. At 54, he appeared for the SSC examination and passed with a GPA of 4.35.

His life has been a long struggle with poverty and building a future for his children. He kept his own educational dreams aside to establish his children first. Finally, at this stage of life, he has rekindled that unfulfilled dream.

Ali Akbar is the son of Molla Sheikh Khoka of the Perabaria area of Bagatipara municipality in Natore. He is also locally known as 'Ali Azam'.

Due to his work, he lives in Rajshahi, where he took this year's SSC examination from the technical branch of Nowhata Science and Technology High School. The elderly student has created quite a stir in the area by passing with distinction in his first attempt.

Sharing the struggle and success of his life, Ali Akbar said he was born into a very poor family. He is the second among several siblings. Due to the family's poverty, he had to leave his studies early to help his father support the family. He later married and had a daughter and a son. He faced even harsher realities to meet the educational expenses of his children.

Eventually, Ali Akbar joined the Islamic Bank Hospital in Rajshahi as an employee, along with his wife. Together, they financed their children's education. His daughter is now in the nursing profession, and his son Ismail Hossain, after completing MBBS, is now working as a government doctor.

Speaking about his journey to fulfil his own dream after his children's success, Ali Akbar said, "I had sacrificed my own educational aspirations while establishing my children. I made my daughter a nurse and my son a doctor. Now they are established in their respective fields. So I thought, instead of sitting idle for the rest of my life, I should also fulfil my own unfulfilled dream."

He further said, "I started studying again. Then I sat for the SSC examination in 2026. Alhamdulillah, I passed with a GPA of 4.35 in my first attempt. This joy is beyond words."

Commenting on the matter, former commissioner of the Perabaria area, Abu Hena Md Kamruzzaman, said Ali Akbar's achievement of passing SSC at 54 is a source of pride for them. Studying at this age and passing with distinction is a testament to his determination, willpower and perseverance. His success is also an inspiration for the younger generation in the area.