Minister’s generosity overcomes uncertainty of 3 students

They did not know how they would manage finances for their admission into government medical colleges as their families are extreme poor and have very little to contribute for them. Just a week ago, they were uncertain as to whether they could get the money for their admission.

But their apprehension and uncertainty have gone now thanks to the generosity of a minister who initiated a move to overcome their financial difficulties in getting admission into medical colleges.

State Minister for Labour Mujibul Haque Chunnu came to know from newspaper reports a few days ago that three students amidst extreme poverty got chances in government medical colleges this year and their families were facing financial difficulties in managing admission fees for them.

He immediately asked his ministry officials to talk to the students and their families and local authorities concerned to verify the news. Accordingly they did it and the minister directed them to give Tk 3 lakh each of the three students from Bangladesh Labor Welfare Trust Fund under the ministry. 

The three students: Irin Akhter Rina, daughter of a day labourer in Nilphamari’s Syedpur upazila, Abdul Alim, son of a vegetable vendor in Chapainawabganj sadar upazila, and Rasel Mahmud, son of a hawker in Jamalpur’s Bakshiganj upazila have got chances at Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College, Rangpur Medical College and Barisal Medical College respectively. 

“I came to know from newspapers that three poor students were not being able to get admitted to government medical colleges due to lack of money. I immediately asked my office to learn about them and talk to the principals of concerned medical colleges,” the minister said.

Talking to The Daily Star at his secretariat office, he said they would give Tk 3 lakh each to the students. Out of the money they each will receive Tk one lakh annually for their admission and other expenses. 

“Every labour must know that they are not excluded. The government is with them during any difficulties,” he said referring to the Labour Welfare Trust Fund.

He also said labours can get financial supports from the fund. If any labour is permanently injured s/he will get Tk 3 lakh, if anyone dies while in duty will get Tk 2 lakh and for treatment Tk 1 lakh from the fund. Children of labour securing golden A+ (80 percent marks in all subjects) will get Tk 25,000. 

For getting the facilities they only need to fill up a form from the ministry website and take recommendations from the authorities concerned, said Majibul adding that the fund has Tk 184 crore in balance for the welfare of the labours.

Terming the minister’s initiative outstanding, Rasel Mahmud said he thinks his monthly educational expenses would be met with the money that the ministry would give him.