Reunited Childhood Friends Find Each Other Again at GPA-5 Reception in Cumilla
A childhood friendship interrupted four years ago by a transfer order was unexpectedly rekindled on Saturday at a reception for GPA-5 achievers held at the Cumilla Zila School ground. Md Abdullah Al Tamim and Fahim Shahriar Sizan, who had been close friends since the sixth grade while studying at Debidwar Govt. Riazuddin Pilot Model High School, were reunited after Fahim's father, a police sub-inspector, was transferred to Cumilla town during their seventh grade.
The emotional reunion unfolded as both students arrived to attend a celebratory event organized for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) achievers by the digital learning platform Shikho in association with Prothom Alo, held under the motto of dreaming big and shaping one's life. Initially struggling to believe their eyes upon spotting each other in the crowd, the two friends embraced and immediately immersed themselves in shared laughter and nostalgic memories.
Adding a remarkable twist to their chance encounter, the pair discovered they are now enrolled at the same institution, Cumilla Education Board Government Model College, though they had not crossed paths on campus prior to Saturday. In this year's SSC examinations, Fahim secured a GPA-5 from Cumilla Police Lines School, while Tamim achieved the same distinction from his alma mater, Debidwar Govt. Riazuddin Pilot Model High School. Reflecting on the serendipitous meeting, Fahim remarked that such cinematic moments rarely happen in real life, expressing delight that their renewed bond will now continue through their college years.
The Cumilla leg of the nationwide celebratory tour drew approximately 2,600 registered GPA-5 achievers alongside guardians, transforming the school grounds into a vibrant hub of festivity featuring cultural performances, gift booths, and photo sessions. Proceedings commenced formally with the national anthem, followed by a welcome address delivered by Prothom Alo's Cumilla correspondent Abdur Rahman, who shared an inspiring message penned by Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman.
Addressing the young achievers, Cumilla Education Board Secretary Professor Md Jahangir Alam emphasized that academic grades do not define everything, urging students to embrace artificial intelligence and emerging technologies while retaining their core humanity. Speakers including former Cumilla Government Women's College Principal Hasnat Anwar Uddin Ahmed, Cumilla University Proctor Professor Md Shahadat Hossain, and Cumilla Zila School Headmaster Mohammad Abdul Hafiz underscored the importance of cultivating moral values, responsibility, and the prudent use of technology over mere academic success.
