As a student, I was rather mediocre in my studies. I still vividly remember an incident from my Class 7 midterm examinations. In the Bengali Second Paper, we were asked to write an essay titled “Your Favorite Poet.”
Growing up, I was deeply inspired by the youthful spirit and rebellious energy of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Naturally, I chose to write about him. With great enthusiasm, I filled my answer sheet with a detailed account of his life and works, convinced that I would earn high marks.
However, my excitement quickly turned into disappointment when I received a zero. At the top of the page, written in red ink, were the words:
“The topic asked for your views on the poet, not his biography.”
That moment, though painful, became a quiet lesson—understanding the question is just as important as knowing the answer.
I completed my primary education at the renowned St. Mary’s School. After that, the big question was where I would pursue my secondary studies. My father had studied at Collegiate School, while his brothers attended St. Placid’s and Muslim High School.
My father deeply admired his friend, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Inspired by that connection, it was decided that I would attend his alma mater—Chittagong Government High School (formerly M.E. School). Interestingly, Dr. Yunus himself was later admitted to Collegiate School.
My father always dreamed that I would become an Economics teacher like his friend. But life, as it often does, had other plans.
My early days at Chittagong Government High School were not easy. While some of my friends were studying in prestigious institutions like St. Placid’s, I found myself in a school that initially did not feel as impressive. The environment was strict, and at times, the teachers were quite harsh.
But gradually, things changed. I made friends, adapted, and began to find my place. My father, in his own way, was preparing me for life—he stopped driving me to school so that I could learn to be independent and resilient.
Even today, I carry the memories of some remarkable teachers:
The warmth and affection of Mostafa Sir
The strict discipline of Wahid Sir
The mathematical brilliance of Mohammad Ali Sir
And Ajit Sir, whose legendary “Zulfi Tana Mair” still echoes in memory
These experiences, though tough at times, shaped me in ways I now deeply appreciate.
I also had my moments of achievement. I secured first place in a speech competition and represented my school at the divisional level in an essay writing contest.
And of course, cricket—how can I forget? The Nirman School Cricket Competition holds a special place in my heart. Within just a few years of its inception, our school proudly won the championship twice—in 1985 and 1987. Back then, my friends were among the finest cricketers at the school level.
Ah, those were truly golden days…
A defining chapter of my life began when my father passed away just before my HSC examinations. He had always been closely involved in my studies and, even during his final days, encouraged me to sit for the exams no matter what. Honoring his wish, I appeared for my HSC exams from Chittagong College.
His passing left me devastated. As the only son in the family, I suddenly found myself carrying the responsibility of supporting my mother and my 12-year-old sister. It was a profoundly difficult phase—both emotionally and financially. There were times when even buying essential medicines felt beyond reach.
In those circumstances, I realized that I had to stand on my own feet as quickly as possible. I enrolled in the B.Com program at Chittagong Commerce College and remained focused on completing my studies while preparing myself for work. After graduation, I joined a private commercial bank.
Alongside my professional journey, I continued my education and later completed my M.Com in Finance from the University of Chittagong.
Today, I serve as a Deputy Managing Director in a private commercial bank—a position shaped not only by professional effort but by resilience, responsibility, and the lessons learned during those challenging years.
I firmly believe that success is achieved through hard work, honesty, and the infinite blessings of the Creator. Equally important is living a goal-oriented life with clarity of purpose.
If I am considered successful in any measure, I would attribute it to my deep involvement in my work and my consistent focus on results. Effort alone is not enough—effort must be purposeful and result-oriented. Without outcomes, effort loses its true value.
Self-awareness is another essential element. People must understand themselves—their aspirations, strengths, and limitations. They must also learn to control their desires and emotions. This clarity helps in choosing the right profession and moving forward with confidence and direction.
In my profession—banking—strong public relations skills are indispensable. One must be able to connect, communicate, and build trust with people from diverse backgrounds. Equally important is enjoying what you do; without that sense of fulfillment, long-term success becomes difficult.
Transparency and accountability must always be upheld. Alongside competence, qualities such as courage, courtesy, and humility define true professionalism. Above all, customer satisfaction should remain at the heart of everything we do.
The education, knowledge, and values I gained during my formative years have played a vital role in shaping my journey. Life, of course, brings many challenges—that is natural.
Yet, I believe the path to success is built on unwavering faith in the Creator, a strong foundation of integrity, and a relentless focus on one’s goals.