The student extraordinaire, KM Raiad Islam Ramim, is son of KM Mustafizur Rahman and Nazma Aktar in Nalchhity upazila of Jhalakathi.

“Born in 2001, Raiad was admitted to ‘play class’ at Nalchhity Municipality Kindergarten in 2005. He got scholarship in the Primary School Certificate examinations from there in 2011,” said Anisur Rahman Khan Helal, former principal of the kindergarten.

In 2012, Raiad was admitted to Nalchhity Merchant Model High School.

“Raiad was awarded with crests and certificates every year for his regular presence. Attending his school final class on October 6 last year, he completed his 12 years of regular journey successfully,” said Md Rezaul Islam, headmaster of the school.

He scored GPA 5 in Junior School Certificate examinations and was placed in first, second or third positions in different classes, he said.

“School and study is love and passion of my son,” said Raiad’s mother.

“Ignoring natural calamities, diseases and other problems, Raiad went to school willingly. For school he missed several pleasurable events including visiting India with us. Even death of a few relatives during these 12 years could not prevent him from attending school,” said his father.

Raiad, a student of science group, said he dreams to study at Buet to become an engineer.

Headmaster Anisur Rahman said, “We are going to give Raiad an award. I think he should be awarded at the national level to inspire students across the country to attend classes regularly and study properly.”