In a heart‑warming example of determination and lifelong learning, a father and his daughter have passed the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination together in Lalpur upazila of the district.

Abdul Hannan, a resident of Narayanpur village under Gopalpur Municipality, and his daughter Halima Khatun appeared in this year’s HSC examination and both were successful, with the father even outperforming his daughter.

Hannan obtained a GPA of 4.33, while Halima secured a GPA of 3.71, according to the results published on Friday.

Their achievement has drawn widespread praise from locals, who see it as an inspiring milestone for the community.

Hannan, the younger son of the late Lal Mia, had failed his SSC examination at North Bengal Sugar Mills High School in 1998. Despite the setback, his passion for education never faded.

After 25 years, in 2023, he again sat the SSC examination from Ruigari High School and passed. Then, without informing anyone, he took the examination with his daughter, and after the results were published, there was a huge response among locals.

Later, Abdul Hannan sat the 2025 HSC examination from Bagha Kakramari College, while his daughter Halima Khatun appeared from Gopalpur Degree College. Both passed, proving age is no barrier to education.

Halima Khatun said: “Even though there was poverty in the family, my father’s will to study inspired me. We want to complete our studies up to a master’s degree together.”

Abdul Hannan said: “I could not complete my studies due to poverty in my childhood. I regained my interest in studying while teaching my daughter. Age is not a barrier — if you have the desire, you can learn. I have proven that.”

Lalpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mehedi Hasan said: “This is a truly inspiring event. A father and daughter have passed HSC together — this will create a positive outlook towards education in society.”