Bashundhara Group becomes beacon of hope for underprivileged meritorious students

Armed with courage and thousands of dreams, the brightest minds of the country arrive at Dhaka University (DU). However, many talented students from impoverished backgrounds immediately face financial hardship. In today's world, even finding tuition jobs has become increasingly difficult, leaving these dreamers disoriented and in despair.

For thousands of such students at DU, Bashundhara Shuvosangho has become a symbol of trust and support. With the assistance of Bashundhara Group, Shuvosangho is standing beside talented yet financially struggling students and rewriting a new chapter in history. It is inspiring young individuals to become responsible and humane citizens and contribute to nation-building. Many young lives, now able to continue their studies peacefully thanks to Shuvosangho’s scholarships, are busy shaping themselves into creative individuals. They have shared different emotions and experiences. Bangla daily Bangladesh Pratidin has presented the stories of these students receiving scholarships at Dhaka University, supported by Bashundhara Group. Here's the first part:

Sadia Haque

Institute of Education and Research

The scholarship from Bashundhara Shuvosangho has been a vital force in my academic journey. It not only provided me financial security but also brought me mental peace. Previously, juggling studies and tutoring created mental stress, which negatively affected me. But after receiving the scholarship, that worry disappeared. Now I can concentrate more on my studies and pursue my goals and dreams with greater focus. The way Bashundhara Shuvosangho stands beside underprivileged students teaches us a lot. It not only offers financial aid but also builds our self-confidence. This scholarship has made my path to higher education much easier. I am deeply grateful to Bashundhara Shuvosangho. They have become a guiding light for many students like me. I hope to honour their trust and contribute positively to society in the future.

Sadia Binte Saleh

Department of History

My family includes my mother, younger brother, elder sister, and myself. My brother studies management at a National University, and my sister is physically challenged. In 2020, my father died of a heart attack. He was the sole earner in our family, and after his death, we fell into financial hardship. My mother now works as a tailor to cover our basic expenses.

With such a meagre income, affording our education and family needs, especially my sister's care, was nearly impossible. Despite all odds, I got admitted to Dhaka University, encouraged by my mother. But managing expenses in Dhaka—mess rent, food, and other costs—became too difficult. I was on the verge of quitting my studies and was mentally devastated. Then, by the grace of Allah, I was selected for a Shuvosangho scholarship, which eased my financial burden and gave me new courage. I will remain eternally grateful to Bashundhara Shuvosangho.

Faiza Jarif Jui

Department of Sociology

I’ve been receiving the Shuvosangho scholarship since I got admitted to Dhaka University. My father is no longer alive. My family includes my mother, my younger brother, and myself. There’s no source of income, so managing my living expenses in Dhaka was very tough. The scholarship helped me overcome these financial hurdles. Before this, my mother used to manage the household by farming, raising poultry, and growing vegetables in a small garden. My father passed away in 2022 from liver cirrhosis.

Our financial condition worsened since a huge amount had been spent on his treatment, and he was the only breadwinner. As I live in the dorm, the scholarship allows me to manage my expenses without asking my mother for money. It has greatly eased our struggles. I’m truly grateful to Shuvosangho for their support.

Rukaiya Afrin

Department of Persian Language and Literature

My father died after battling blood cancer for six years. Now it’s just my mother and three sisters. Once we were financially stable, but everything changed with my father's illness. I fought hard to continue my education, even when everyone wanted me to marry early. I wasn’t willing. By Allah’s mercy, I got into university, but hardships continued. A major accident left me with a head injury, and I had to take a year off and re-admit. Any stress or pressure would cause severe pain, making even tutoring impossible. There was no financial help from home. But by the grace of Allah, I was awarded the Shuvosangho scholarship. I’ve regained my health and can now study properly. Without this scholarship, I don’t know what would’ve happened. Shuvosangho stands beside me like a guardian.

Fahmida Akter

Department of Management Information Systems

I've always dreamt of standing on my own feet and not depending on anyone. Studying at Dhaka University was a childhood dream. I came from a remote area of Chattogram with that dream. A new city, new environment—everything was challenging. A year ago, I lost my biggest support, my father. My elder brother, who studies at Chattogram University, was also struggling. Coming to Dhaka, I often felt like a directionless boat adrift.

At that time, Shuvosangho appeared in my life as a beacon of hope. This organisation didn’t just provide financial aid—it gave me courage, confidence, and a feeling that I wasn’t alone. The brothers and sisters of Shuvosangho stood by me like family. Their sincerity, encouragement, and support made me stronger from within. I’ve learned to dream again and believe in myself. The scholarship made me feel that someone recognises my struggle. Now I am more focused, confident, and hopeful for the future.

Asiya Khatun

Department of Communication Disorders

There are six members in our family—parents, three sisters, and a brother. My father is the only earner, and it’s not enough to cover education and living costs. He barely managed to support my education while also running the household. Later, my elder brother tried to support me through tutoring, but now he’s finished studying and is preparing for jobs. He’s unable to help me anymore.

As a first-year student in Dhaka, getting a tuition job is very difficult. A friend told me about Shuvosangho’s scholarship. I applied and got selected. It brought a new chapter to my life. Now I can study without mental stress. I, too, want to be a part of such a noble cause in the future—supporting underprivileged meritorious students and bringing smiles to thousands of families.

Akhi

Department of Philosophy

I completed my intermediate from Belkuchi Government College, Sirajganj. My father is a security guard and my mother a homemaker. I’m the youngest of four sisters. All three elder sisters are unmarried and studying. My father earns only Tk10,000 per month. With this limited income, it’s difficult to support a six-member family. Recently, he suffered a heart attack, and we spent all our savings on his treatment. My mother has diabetes. Since Class 9, I have been tutoring to support my education. I worked hard and kept faith in Allah. I got into Dhaka University, but couldn’t find any tuition jobs in Dhaka despite many attempts.

My elder sister, a third-year student at Pabna Medical College, used to support me with her small earnings from tutoring. For me, the Shuvosangho scholarship is a blessing. Without it, life would’ve been unbearable. Bashundhara Shuvosangho has paved the way for dreams to come true for thousands of students. They are the architects turning dreams into reality.

Oishi Chakraborty

Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management

My father is a day labourer. Due to age-related issues, he can barely work now. We are three sisters, all studying. After covering basic family expenses, it became difficult for my father to fund my education in Dhaka. Being new in the city, I couldn’t find tuition jobs either. Financial stress affected my studies.

One day, I came across Bashundhara Shuvosangho on social media. Since then, they’ve become my ray of hope. They arranged a monthly scholarship for me. I’m forever grateful. Bashundhara Group has taken a great initiative for students like me. Now, I can manage my studies and expenses well. My family is very happy. I hope their good work spreads across the country. May Shuvosangho continue to grow, ensuring that underprivileged meritorious students are not left behind.

Fahmida Zinat Mukta

Department of Bangla

Being from a low-income family, my father struggled to bear my expenses. He’s seriously ill, making it almost impossible to fund my education. As a literature student, I have to buy many books regularly, which costs a lot. After receiving Shuvosangho’s scholarship, I was relieved. Even with frugal living in an expensive city like Dhaka, it’s hard to manage. Department fees, exam fees—all these add up. After getting the scholarship, I can focus on my studies without worrying. Bashundhara Shuvosangho stands out in supporting meritorious underprivileged students. I hope they become a part of many students’ success stories.

Naushin Jahan Suborna

English for Speakers of Other Languages

I’m from Kalaroa upazila in Satkhira. My father passed away. My mother is a homemaker. Our family is in a dire financial state. As I suffer from health issues, I couldn’t even manage tutoring to earn. Amid the hardships of university life, Shuvosangho came as a ray of hope. Their monthly scholarship became a blessing for me and my family. Shuvosangho has made my path much easier. I’m deeply thankful. The scholarship is more than financial aid—it is a source of confidence and inspiration.

Mahfuza Akter Mim

Institute of Social Welfare and Research

I am one of the recipients of Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s scholarship. My father died in 2021, after which our financial condition deteriorated. My mother struggles to support both our education. After receiving the scholarship, I can continue my studies with peace of mind. My family and I always try to move forward with hard work, but financial problems held us back. I even struggled with mental health issues. We have no farming land. My mother does some odd jobs to run the household. In this darkness, Shuvosangho brought light into my life and pulled me out of distress. I’m forever grateful. Please pray that I can become a good human being and help poor meritorious students alongside you.

Shirin Akter

Department of Urdu

My education has been a story of struggle. My father is a poor farmer. Even providing for the family was difficult, so I started tutoring from Class 10 to fund my studies. After getting into Dhaka University, I couldn’t find any tuition work, especially being in the Urdu department. Then a batchmate told me about Shuvosangho. I applied and got selected. Since then, I’ve been receiving monthly scholarships. It has supported my studies from the second year onwards. When no one else was there, Shuvosangho was. They are building a solid foundation for my dreams. I can now study with greater attention.

SOURCE : Daily Sun