Study abroad, but return to lead, Toufique Khalidi tells Scholastica ceremony

The young and privileged in Bangladesh have exit plans that include a dream education abroad. But their return, too, is vital.

Journalist Toufique Imrose Khalidi stressed this point while addressing students of Scholastica, one of Dhaka’s premium English-medium schools, on Tuesday.

As 128 students, who completed their O-levels exam, were handed school certificates at their Mirpur campus, Khalidi reminded them that with privilege came responsibility.

Holding their ‘O-levels’ certificates in their hands, a group of Scholastica students pose for a photo.

“But a large majority of you, I can imagine, are hoping to go to another country after A Levels. And, you should, if you have the opportunity,” he said, congratulating the class of 2016 as the ceremony’s chief guest.

He reminded the young students that they formed a minuscule part of Bangladesh who could afford to study in a school that prepared them with skills to ‘outsmart’ the finest in many countries.

“The fortunate have the extra burden to be brave when circumstances demand.

“They are in a better position to serve, to lead by example, to sacrifice when necessary...”

Editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, Khalidi said the bonds he created in his school days with teachers and fellow pupils formed the real basis of his understanding of leadership and management.     

Chief editor of bdnews24.com, Toufique Imrose Khalidi, speaks at a graduation programme at Scholastica.

“So there comes a time when you pay back; you can pay back better when you come back, it’s not just about brain drain, it’s about paying off your debt.”

Khalidi said his debt was to farmers whose hard work drove the economy which once relied heavily on agriculture.

“When I went to Dhaka University, I paid just eight taka a month as tuition fees, and it hasn’t changed much in the past 30 years. So who paid for my education?”

The less fortunate contributes the most in the upkeep of Bangladesh, he said. “All the infrastructure or the roads that you use to drive your cars are built mostly with their money.”

Altogether 128 students received their ‘O-levels’ certificates at the graduation ceremony at Scholastica.

A group of students makes a presentation at the programme held at Scholastica.

Complaints about the quality of politics in Bangladesh are voiced without relief but he reminded the students that the US which epitomises the dreams of so many across the world is being ridiculed for the leadership choices it is providing, a reality that will repel voters in the coming presidential election in November.

“More people will vote for a candidate not because they love the candidate but because they loathe the other. So I am happy with what we have, at least for now!”

Syeda Mahida Murshed, the school’s managing director, said the students should receive their academic accolades with humility and search for skills that will help them contribute to society. 

Umran Mustafa, who is here to collect his ‘O-levels’ certificate, speaks on behalf of his batch mates.

Iman Sadia Serafine Rahim speaks on behalf of her batch-mates, who have just passed their ‘O-levels’ from Scholastica school.

“We have the luxury of choice that many others in Bangladesh and around the world do not have. How will you utilise this luxury?” she asked.

Mita Quader, one of Scholastica’s vice principals, asked the young students to remember their ultimate goal. “Not all our talents will fit into a career. We have so many passions and talents that we will have to reach beyond our career.

“Whether we reach out into the community, focus on a hobby or family, it doesn’t matter. Our dream is to be happy.

Of the 128 students, Wahida Ahmed received the highest marks in six subjects while Serfin Islam Rahim excelled above the others in five. 

Scholatica Vice-Principal (academic affairs) Mita Quader speaks at the graduation ceremony held for an ‘O-levels’ batch at the school.​

Syeda Mahida Murshed, managing director of Scholastica, speaks at the graduation ceremony of an ‘O-levels’ batch.

The graduation ceremony chaired by Farah Sophia Ahmed, the school’s senior vice principal, started with the national anthem and recitations from the Quran.

The school’s Director and Chief Operating Officer Wasima Parveen, Head of Planning and Administration Noorjahan Begum, Principal Brig Gen (retd) Kaiser Ahmed and Senior Vice Principal Fardah Farhana Alam were present along with other campus chiefs.