Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today attended at a programme at the Barkal Upazila administration auditorium. Photo : BSS

RANGAMATI, April 25, 2026 (BSS) - Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today said it is a matter of shame if a meritorious student cannot sit for examinations due to financial constraints.

"No student in Bangladesh should drop out due to poverty - this is the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman," he told a programme at the Barkal Upazila administration auditorium this afternoon after taking responsibility to ensure the participation of an SSC examinee in her upcoming exams.

Ishika Chakma, a meritorious student of Juno Pahar High School in Barkal, hails from the remote Jarulchhari area under Bhushanchhara union. Her family had informed the school authorities that she might not be able to appear in the SSC examination due to a shortage of only Tk 7,000.

Upon learning the matter, the minister immediately announced that the government would bear all expenses related to her examination. "We will do whatever is necessary to fulfil Ishika's dream," he said.

Addressing students, Dewan said he came to them carrying the vision of the prime minister. "The prime minister has instructed that no student in Bangladesh should be left behind," he added.

At a meeting with the upazila administration, the minister also announced an allocation of Tk 10 lakh through the Rangamati Hill District Council to support students in remote areas of Barkal, Juraichhari and Bilaichhari upazilas.

He expressed hope that incidents of students being unable to sit for examinations due to financial hardship would not recur in the future.

Citing his own life, the minister said he too had once been an ordinary student and, through hard work, joined the BCS Judicial Service.

"You can achieve your goals too. Study attentively - the government and I are with you," he told the students.

During the meeting, the minister also assured quick resolution of mobile network problems in Barkal and pledged to initiate dredging work to restore navigability of Kaptai Lake. He urged all to work together to advance the government's development activities.

Chaired by Barkal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Atonu Barua, it was also attended by Rangamati Hill Zila Parishad Chief Executive Officer Khondokar Md Rizaul Karim, Zone Commander Major Farhat An Naim and local political leaders, among others.