Pranti Biswas's selection for admission to Faridpur Medical College Hospital is a proud moment for her family. Yet, despite her academic excellence and perseverance, the shadow of poverty threatens her dream of becoming a doctor as she comes from a family of little means.

Pranti is the youngest of two siblings in a family fighting against severe financial challenges. Her father, Ramen Kumar Biswas, is a day laborer from Haat Gobindapur Uttarpara village in Faridpur Sadar, while her mother, Chanchala Rani Biswas, earns a modest income by selling puffed rice in local shops. Her brother, Rahul, has completed a diploma from a private technical training institution, but employment has not been easy to come by.

Despite their constant efforts, the family struggles to afford even basic necessities.

Their home, situated on just two decimals of land next to the Haat Gobindapur Bazaar area on the Kanipur-Khalilpur road, is a proof of their hardship. The house was built with bricks by Pranti's late maternal grandfather, and its construction remained incomplete since his sudden death. The unfinished structure lacks proper plaster, doors, and windows, with bamboo sticks being used as temporary barriers. Yet, despite these challenges, Pranti's family continues to live there, holding onto the hope that a better future is possible.

Pranti achieved a GPA-5 in her SSC examination from Begum Rokeya Girls' School in 2022. Later, she got admitted to Government Sarada Sundari Mohila College in Faridpur. In 2024, she passed her HSC examination with the same distinction.

When asked about Pranti, Monzurul Islam, the principal of Government Sarada Sundari Women's College, said, "Pranti was an outstanding student at our college. She has overcome poverty to come a long way. Despite her talent, no financial or other difficulties could stop her. She is a shining example of resilience. However, now is the time to nurture students like Pranti. I appeal to the affluent members of society to ensure that students like Pranti, who are at risk of falling behind due to lack of financial resources, are supported and given the opportunity to thrive."

Pranti's journey to the gates of a government medical college—a venerated achievement for any student in Bangladesh—was not actually planned out, but rather directed by circumstances.

"I initially dreamt of pursuing engineering, but there were no coaching facilities for engineering preparation in Faridpur," Pranti recounted. "That's why I decided to pursue an MBBS degree."

Pranti's mother Chanchala, while proud, expressed her fears for the future.

"My daughter has been selected for admission to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, but I've heard it's very expensive. With our current situation, we struggle to afford three meals a day. How can we manage the annual expenses of Tk 15,000 to 20,000 for her education? I don't know how we will make this work," she said.

Right now, Pranti is happy with her achievement of gaining the opportunity to go to medical school. However, she is also anxious due to the financial constraints her family is facing, which makes her unsure if she will be able to enroll.

Despite this, she believes that since she has come this far in her education, she will continue to study no matter the difficult path ahead. She wants to repay the sacrifices her parents have made for her and dreams of supporting them by becoming a doctor.

"I also want to serve my country and its people," she said.