Rickshaw puller’s son Hanif ranks 4th nationwide in BJS exam

Mohammad Hanif Miah, a student of the University of Dhaka’s (DU) Department of Law, has secured fourth place nationwide in the merit list of the 18th Bangladesh Judicial Service (BJS) examination, earning a recommendation for appointment as a Judicial Magistrate on his first attempt.

The son of a rickshaw puller from an underprivileged family in Kishoreganj, Hanif’s achievement marks the culmination of years of academic effort and significant sacrifices by his family, teachers and well-wishers.

Speaking to The Daily Campus about the moment he learned his result, Hanif said he was fasting and alone in his room when the results were published.

“I was fasting on the day the results were published and was alone in my room. Right before the results came out, my body felt completely numb from anxiety, though deep down I believed that InshaAllah it would happen.”

He said he offered Nafl prayers before checking the result and initially planned to search for his roll number from the bottom of the merit list.

“But as soon as I opened the document, my roll number caught my eye right on the very first line! Rank: 4th! Goosebumps ran through my entire body, and I burst into unstoppable tears of joy.”

After informing his family and close ones, Hanif said he was filled with gratitude to the Almighty.

A family’s sacrifice

Hanif’s ancestral home is in a remote village in Karimganj Upazila of Kishoreganj. He is the fourth of five siblings and said severe financial hardship prevented his other siblings from continuing their education.

His father, Md Kalu Miah, worked as a rickshaw puller, while his mother, Shefali Begum, worked as a domestic helper. His elder sisters worked in garment factories to support the education of Hanif and his younger brother.

At one point, Hanif said, his younger brother left his madrasa studies to work and contribute to his education. His elder brother now works as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his younger brother works at a boutique factory.

“I have reached this far today solely because of my family’s extraordinary sacrifices,” he said.

From a village school to DU

Hanif completed his SSC in Science from Karimganj Govt Pilot Model High School in 2018, securing GPA 5.00. He then completed his HSC in Humanities from Gurudayal Govt College in 2020, also with GPA 5.00.

He was later admitted to the 48th batch of DU’s Department of Law and completed his LL.B. with a CGPA of 3.62. He is currently pursuing his final year of LL.M. at the university.

Hanif said teachers from his primary and secondary schools, as well as his economics teacher at Gurudayal College, supported him financially and emotionally throughout his education. He also credited Tanjina Meem Apu, from a neighbouring village, with inspiring him to dream bigger.

At DU, he received support from law professors and senior students who helped him with books, classes and guidance. He particularly highlighted his brother-like friend Md Rajib Hossain and Rajib’s family for standing beside him throughout the preliminary, written and viva stages of the BJS examination.

“During my prelims, written, and viva phases, Rajib stood by me like a real brother, taking care of my tuitions, organizing books, notes, and necessary documents.”

First judge from his village

Hanif said his achievement has brought joy to his family, teachers and villagers. His mother, two sisters, brothers-in-law, father, brothers and close friend Rajib all wept with happiness after learning of his result, he said.

He also said he is the first Judicial Magistrate in the history of his village and the first judge in the nearly 80-year history of his school.

For those facing financial hardship while pursuing their ambitions, Hanif said poverty should not be treated as a barrier to success.

“I believe that with honesty, trust in Almighty Allah, and hard work, any difficult situation can be overcome. If your intention is genuine, the Creator will somehow send someone to stand by your side along the way. Poverty can never be a barrier to your dreams.”