Born without fingers on either hand, the Rangpur student has passed her HSC examination and now dreams of becoming a BCS cadre officer.
Koli Rani, a student from Kaunia Upazila in Rangpur, has achieved a GPA of 3.50 in this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination. Born without fingers on either hand, she completed the examination by writing with her right foot.
Koli, who belongs to the Humanities group at Kaunia Women’s College, has overcome several challenges to continue her education. She previously passed the Primary Education Completion Examination and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination using the same method.
She lives in the Harishwar area of Kaunia Upazila. As the youngest of six siblings, she lost her father in a road accident while studying in Class Three.
Mother and brother supported her education
After her father’s death, Koli received support from her mother, Rupali Rani, and her elder brother. Despite financial and family difficulties, they ensured that her education continued.
Since she could not write with her hands, Koli learned to write using her right foot. With support from her family, classmates and teachers, she continued her studies and achieved success in each major examination.
Her mother said Koli had faced hurtful comments from people in their neighbourhood because of her physical disability. Some people questioned the value of spending money on her education and believed she would never achieve anything.
However, Rupali Rani remained determined to educate her daughter. She said Koli had passed the fifth-grade and tenth-grade examinations with high marks despite writing with her feet.
Her mother’s efforts and her elder brother’s support helped Koli continue her education after losing her father.
Koli wants to work for people with disabilities
Koli also wants to work for people with disabilities, including men and women. She said her childhood experiences of facing hurtful comments have shaped her desire to support others.
Many people had made fun of her and questioned whether she could contribute to society. Their comments strengthened her determination to prove that physical disability does not make someone a burden.
Now, she wants to gain admission to a good university and continue her higher education. Her long-term ambition is to become a Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) cadre officer.
College principal praises her achievement
Rafiqul Islam, acting principal of Kaunia Women’s College, praised Koli’s determination and academic performance.
He said she had achieved a GPA of 3.50 in the HSC examination from the Humanities group while competing with other students and writing entirely with her feet.
The principal expressed confidence that Koli could achieve more in the future.
Local resident Sajida Akter also praised her achievement. She said determination and self-confidence were more important than physical limitations in overcoming life’s challenges.
Higher education remains her next goal
Koli’s family is proud of her HSC result. However, she now needs an opportunity to pursue higher education and work towards her ambition of joining the BCS.
Financial support from well-wishers and capable members of society could help her continue her studies. Her next step is to secure admission to a suitable university and prepare for the future she hopes to build.
