Alo gave up medical seat for DU Law, now ranks fifth in BJS exam

Syeda Showlin Akter Alo, a Law Department student at the University of Dhaka (DU), has secured fifth place in the merit list of the 18th Bangladesh Judicial Service (BJS) examination, earning a recommendation for appointment as a Judicial Magistrate.

Showlin had initially secured admission to Pabna Medical College after passing the medical admission test. However, she chose to pursue her childhood ambition of becoming a judge and later secured 16th position in DU’s D Unit admission test to study law.

She cleared the BJS examination on her first attempt while still completing her master’s degree, appearing with an “appeared” certificate.

Speaking to The Daily Campus about her family’s reaction, Showlin said her achievement brought immense happiness to her family, particularly her father.

“Alhamdulillah, everyone is overjoyed with my success. My father, in particular, became deeply emotional upon hearing the result.”

Recalling the moment she saw her name on the merit list, she said she was overwhelmed with anxiety while waiting for the results.

“It was late afternoon and anticipation was high. Overwhelmed by fear, I went to perform ablution (wudu) for prayers, intending to check the results afterward. Looking through the merit list, passing numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and seeing my roll at number 5, I couldn't hold back my emotions and burst into tears. I immediately expressed my deepest gratitude to Almighty Allah.”

Showlin’s ancestral home is in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha. Her father, Syed Mohammad Ali, is a retired teacher, while her younger brother is a third-year student in the Department of Law at Jagannath University.

She completed her SSC in 2018 and HSC in 2020 in Gaibandha before joining DU’s Department of Law in the 2020-21 academic session. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree.

Explaining why she left medical studies despite securing a place at a medical college, Showlin said becoming a judge had been her ambition since childhood.

“Yes, I was initially admitted to Pabna Medical College after clearing the exam. However, I had harbored a dream of becoming a judge since childhood. Therefore, I later appeared for the DU entrance exam, secured the 16th rank in the ‘D’ Unit, and joined the Law Department.”

She said her decision was questioned by people around her, particularly because of the uncertainty they associated with a career in law and the judiciary.

“After leaving medical school, many cautioned me, raising doubts like, ‘You gave up becoming a doctor; this career is uncertain,’ or ‘Will you ever be able to crack the judiciary?’ Despite those doubts, by the infinite mercy of Allah, I was recommended on my very first attempt while still a student.”

Balancing BJS preparation with DU’s academic workload was another challenge, she said.

“Academic pressure at Dhaka University is intense and multifaceted. We had to attend daily classes and keep up with coursework. Balancing university requirements, assignments, and lectures alongside job preparation meant putting in ‘overtime.’ Having never sat for the BJS or any judicial exam before, this was my first attempt, and I appeared using an appeared certificate.”

For students uncertain about their career choices, Showlin said they should consider their interests rather than limiting themselves to traditionally preferred professions.

“Career choices should not be restricted strictly to becoming a ‘doctor’ or an ‘engineer.’ There are numerous other professions where people excel. If we follow our passion, remain sincere to our goals, and maintain honesty in our hard work, success is achievable in any field.”