A visually impaired student in Thakurgaon is facing uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, scheduled to begin on April 21, due to the unavailability of a scribe.
Sharif Ali, who has been visually impaired since birth, has pursued his education with determination and the support of his family. Now on the verge of sitting for the crucial public examination, his prospects remain uncertain as he has yet to secure a scribe, an essential requirement for visually impaired candidates.
The son of battery-run autorickshaw driver Ramzan Ali, Sharif lives in the Gobindanagar area under Thakurgaon municipality.
He completed his primary education at Gobindanagar Government Primary School before enrolling at Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School in 2021.
According to the “Policy on Scribe Services for Public and Class Examinations-2025”, candidates are allowed to nominate their own scribes. If they fail to do that, exam centre authorities are required to arrange one. For SSC candidates, a student below the SSC level is eligible to serve as a scribe.
In a Facebook post asking for help, Sharif said that without a scribe, his participation in the examination would become uncertain.
“I want to continue my studies and, in the future, secure a job to support my family as well as serve my country with my abilities. But right now, my biggest concern is whether I will be able to sit for the exam,” he told The Daily Star.
His mother, Safura Begum, said her son has been eager to study since childhood.
“It is very painful to think that he may not be able to take the SSC exams just because there is no one to write for him,” she said.
Contacted, Motahar Ul Alam, headmaster of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School, said Sharif has been advised to look for a scribe among acquaintances.
“If he still fails to find one, the school will take necessary steps,” he added.
Responding to another query, the headmaster said the school has not been able to introduce Braille-based teaching due to the absence of specialised teachers, who are supposed to be provided by the Department of Social Services, despite repeated requests.
