Students must learn to use technology positively while enriching their knowledge through books and newspapers, scientific thinking and debate, speakers said at a reception for GPA-5 achievers in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday.
They also urged students not to be discouraged by failure but to learn from setbacks and move forward with determination.
The ‘Shikho-Prothom Alo GPA-5 Meritorious Reception 2026’ was held at the Baitush Sharaf Jabbaria Academy School and College premises in Cox’s Bazar town.
The programme began receiving students from different upazilas, including Moheshkhali, Kutubdia and Teknaf, from around 8:00 am. Many students arrived with their family members, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the venue.
The reception, organised by Prothom Alo and sponsored by digital education platform Shikho under the slogan ‘Dream, Build Your Life’, is being held for SSC and equivalent examination students who achieved GPA-5 in 64 districts nationwide.
A total of 650 GPA-5 achievers from different upazilas of Cox’s Bazar took part in the district programme.
The venue was lively from the morning, with students chatting and taking photographs with friends. A Prothom Alo Experience Centre was set up on the field, offering various games and activities. A 360-degree photo booth and photo corner were also arranged, where students took photographs with friends and family.
A Savoy ice cream truck was also placed at the venue, offering relief from the intense heat to students, teachers and guardians.
More than 60 members of Prothom Alo Bondhusabha were involved in managing the event, including its president Abdul Nabi, general secretary Ulfatul Mostafa, joint secretary Margob Morshed, City College president Saiful Islam Sagar, Minhajur Rahman, Hasanul Kabir, Ayesha Siddika Tashkia, Afra Tabassum Raisa, Sauda Ummul Fazal, Fairoz Ibnat Rudsi and Miftahul Jannat Ishmi.
The programme formally began at around 10:30am with the national anthem performed by Bondhusabha members.
Abdul Quddus Rana, head of Prothom Alo’s Cox’s Bazar regional office, delivered the welcome address. He highlighted the stories of Muntaka Suwaiba of Chakaria Kork Bidyapith, who achieved GPA-5 with the highest marks in Cox’s Bazar in this year’s SSC examination; Mohammad Rifat, a meritorious student from Koangchharipara in Sabrang union of Teknaf; and Fatema Akter, a female surfer from Cox’s Bazar who is representing Bangladesh at the Asian Games.
He also remembered the students who could not achieve GPA-5 in this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. He later read out a written message from Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman for the students.
Veteran teacher and director general of Cox’s Bazar Baitush Sharaf Complex MM Sirajul Islam said the world had entered an era of artificial intelligence.
“To keep pace with this era, students need to learn about artificial intelligence and its positive uses. But alongside technological skills, they must also uphold human values,” he said.
He urged students to focus on science and technical education and strive to become good human beings.
Mohammad Chhaiyad Karim, principal of Baitush Sharaf Jabbaria Academy School and College, urged students to build their lives alongside their academic studies.
“You have to preserve today’s achievement. The 18 months after SSC are particularly important, and you should give full attention to your studies during this period,” he said.
At the programme, Prothom Alo managing editor and writer Anisul Hoque administered a pledge to the students to say no to the three ‘Ms’ — drugs, lies and rote learning.
“You will read books, read Biggan Chinta, read Kishor Alo and take part in debates. Be good human beings and love Bangladesh. You will become enlightened, and Bangladesh will become enlightened,” he said.
Sharing the story of former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, Anisul Hoque told the students that Kalam had experienced failure at one point in his life but eventually became a successful scientist and later the president of India.
“We have to keep this in mind and move forward by leaving failure behind,” he said.
Female surfer Fatema Akter, a Class X student, also delivered an inspirational speech.
She said she faced numerous obstacles while learning to surf, including criticism from people around her.
“Girls cannot afford to remain held back. We have to overcome all obstacles and move forward,” she said.
Mentors from digital education platform Shikho also spoke at the programme.
Earlier, Anisul Hoque handed prizes to 10 meritorious students who won a quiz competition.
Bondhusabha member Meherin Hasnat Maniha conducted the programme, while members Mubinur Rashid and Samia Jannat Ariba performed poetry and songs.
The programme concluded with a musical performance by the band ‘Unprepared War’, with students joining in and enjoying the performance.
The event was powered by bKash, with Concord Group, Fresh, Savoy Ice Cream, Konka-Gree, Mutual Trust Bank PLC, Quality Group, Presidency University, Z H Zinc-B, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, UCSI University Bangladesh Branch Campus, Amber IT Limited, ATN Bangla, and Prothom Alo Bondhusabha as partners.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
