Defying a severe physical disability since birth, HSC examinee Poli Rani is proving that determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Unable to hold a pen because she was born without fingers and with underdeveloped hands, the young student is writing her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination with the toes of her right foot.

Her remarkable journey has made her an inspiration for students, teachers and people across Rangpur, demonstrating that physical limitations need not stand in the way of education and ambition.

A humanities student of Kawnia College, Poli is taking the 2026 HSC examinations at Kawnia Women's College Centre in Rangpur's Kawnia upazila. A resident of Gadai village, she sits alongside other examinees in the examination hall, calmly writing every answer with her right foot.

For Poli, however, this is not her first victory over adversity.

She had earlier astonished everyone by earning a GPA-5 (A) in the 2024 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination from Kawnia Girls' School, also by writing with her foot.

"My dream is to become an administrative officer and serve people," Poli told BSS. "I firmly believe that no obstacle is too great if a person has determination and confidence. That belief gives me the strength to move forward."

Her mother, Rupali Rani, said Poli lost her father at an early age but never allowed hardship, poverty or disability to derail her education.

"She has no fingers and her hands are too small and curved to hold a pen," Rupali said. "From childhood, she began practising writing with the toes of her right foot. After years of practice, she can now write at a normal speed."

The journey, however, was far from easy.

During her early school years, Poli was often ridiculed by classmates because of her disability. With constant encouragement from teachers and unwavering determination, she gradually overcame those challenges.

Over time, her classmates accepted her wholeheartedly and extended their support.

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Her perseverance soon translated into academic success. She earned an A grade in the Primary Education Completion Examination before continuing her impressive performance through secondary education.

Recognising her special needs, the education authorities have made necessary arrangements to ensure she can take the HSC examination comfortably.

HSC Examination Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam said all facilities have been provided in accordance with the directives of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dinajpur.

"In addition to other support, she has been allowed an extra 30 minutes for each examination because of her disability," he said.

Kawnia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Papia Sultana said Poli's answer script from the first examination was preserved separately before being sent to the education board as per official procedures.

"We have ensured all facilities directed by the education board so that she can sit for the examinations in a congenial environment," the UNO said.

Teachers, fellow examinees, guardians and local residents have expressed admiration for Poli's extraordinary determination.

Many believe her inspiring journey extends far beyond her family, school or Rangpur district, serving as a powerful example for countless young people and students with disabilities across Bangladesh.

By transforming adversity into strength, Poli Rani has shown that courage, perseverance and self-belief can overcome barriers that once seemed insurmountable.

As she continues writing her HSC examination-one page at a time with the toes of her right foot, she is also writing an inspiring story of resilience, hope and limitless human potential.