Defying congenital physical challenge and poverty, Rasel Talukder appeared at the HSC examinations this year as a business studies student of Government Jhalakathi Government College.

The boy, now 17, cannot walk, stand, even sit or move properly without the help of others as his legs as well as the whole body did not grow proportionately.  

"At first we were not interested to send Rasel to school. But he started learning sitting beside his younger brother at home. Seeing his eagerness to learn, we admitted him to a nearby primary school and his mother carried him to school regularly," said Rasel's father A Khalek Talukder.

"My mother took me to school in her  arms regularly up to Class VI. When I was a student of Class VII, I got a wheelchair from an organisation. It eased my movement although I had to take the help of neighbouring class friends and my younger brother who pushed the wheelchair for taking me to school,” said Rasel. 

After passing the SSC examinations with good result from Isanil High School in Jhalakathi Sadar, Rasel got himself admitted to Jhalakathi Government College in 2015.

“Despite our poverty and his physical problem, Rasel was determined to continue study. To manage the education cost himself, he started teaching younger students when he was in Class VIII and soon earned fame as a good tutor in the area,” said Rasel's mother Rekha Begum.

“Rasel Sir is a very good teacher who helps us to understand difficult topics,” said Rasel's student Takia Aktar, who reads in Class VII.

“Now I earn Tk 4000 to 5000 per month by teaching students in the morning and afternoon while some poor students get free coaching from me," said Rasel.

During free time, Rasel also helps his cousin to run a tea stall.

Rasel's parents said they now feel proud of the boy who has already become an asset for the society and earned love and trust of all for his honesty and good manners.

He wants to join teaching profession after completion of his higher study.

“Rasel was a regular student who served as an inspiration for others,” said Prof AKM Mujibur Rahman, principal of Jhalakathi Government College.