Amid ongoing political turmoil and targeted persecution in Bangladesh under the Yunus-led interim government, Hindu students have emerged as beacons of resilience and academic excellence. Despite widespread violence, displacement, and marginalization, the Hindu minority — now reduced to just 7.95% of the population — continues to fight for survival, often with little protection or recognition.
According to the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination results released on July 11, several Hindu students topped various education boards across Bangladesh. Notably, Nibir Karmakar (16) from Nasir Nagar High School in Chittagong secured 1285 out of 1300 marks, topping not only the Chittagong board but the entire country. Similarly, Athia Mitra (16) from Jessore topped her board with 1278 marks.
Rajarshi Ghosh from Barisal Board earned 1281 marks, ranking first in his division, while another Hindu student from Maulvi Bazar led the Sylhet Board with 1280 marks. Reports indicate that Hindu students also ranked within the top ten in several other boards and achieved an overall high pass percentage.
This achievement is particularly significant given the backdrop of relentless discrimination and violence targeting Hindus since August 5 of the previous year. However, mainstream Bangladeshi media — criticized as aligned with ruling powers and conservative elements — has largely ignored or downplayed these remarkable accomplishments.
Sources suggest that the anonymity of exam scripts — where student names are not disclosed to evaluators — played a critical role in ensuring fair assessment. “Had our names been known, many of us wouldn’t have stood a chance,” said one Hindu student, acknowledging the systemic bias that persists in Bangladesh.
Despite this, Hindu students continue to persevere, using education as both resistance and refuge. “We don’t have many options left. Our only way forward is to keep striving — in exams, in universities, in every opportunity that comes our way,” another student shared.