Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj

Md. Rifat Bepari, son of a tea seller from Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, has brought immense happiness to his family by earning admission to a medical college.

Despite facing financial hardships, Rifat’s perseverance and dedication to his studies have brought a ray of hope and pride to his home. Rifat passed the medical entrance exam and secured a place at Dhaka’s Sir Salimullah Medical College.

Rifat is the younger son of Md. Yunus Bepari, a tea vendor at Kauamara Bazaar in Kewain Union, Sirajdikhan Upazila. The family lives in a dilapidated tin-roofed house. Alongside his studies, Rifat assisted his father in the tea shop, often serving customers during breaks in his studies.

Teachers Praise Rifat’s Determination Local schoolteacher Ananta Chakraborty remarked, “Rifat Bepari is exceptionally talented. He worked hard to prepare for the medical entrance exam, overcoming numerous challenges. He achieved this milestone entirely on his own.” Another teacher, Adhir Ranjan Mondal, added, “Rifat is living proof that determination can lead to success, no matter the obstacles.”

Rifat comes from a very modest background, with his family leading a simple life. He is the younger of two siblings, and his family struggles with extreme poverty. According to Nikhil Chakraborty, former president of the governing body of Shulpur High School, Rifat excelled academically, earning a GPA-5 from the school despite never having the means to take private lessons. He is now the pride of the community.

Rifat aims to specialize in cardiology and dreams of helping the underprivileged. He shared, “From a young age, I focused more on studying than playing with friends. I also enjoyed helping my father in the shop while balancing my studies.”

Rifat’s educational journey began at Shulpur Government Primary School, where he earned a talent pool scholarship in the 5th grade. He completed his SSC in 2022, scoring GPA-5, and later achieved the same result in his HSC exams in 2024 from Government Science College, Dhaka. Despite not affording coaching classes like his peers, Rifat dedicated himself to his goal of getting into medical school.

Md. Yunus Bepari expressed his pride, saying, “My son never complained about anything despite our hardships. He balanced helping me at the tea shop with his studies. Now that he’s been admitted to a government medical college, our family feels incredibly proud.” Rifat’s mother, Jharna Begum, added, “We couldn’t afford to educate our elder son, but Rifat pursued his studies despite all odds. I pray that he becomes a great doctor and serves humanity.”

Sirajdikhan UNO Shahina Akter commented, “Rifat Bepari is a role model and inspiration for students from underprivileged backgrounds. On behalf of the administration, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rifat. We will continue to support him throughout his medical education.”

It’s noteworthy that Rifat secured 323rd position in this year’s medical entrance examination, making his community proud.