Financial Aid and One-Month Paid Leave Granted to HSC Candidate Ismail Ekon

In a compassionate gesture, Bangladesh Krishi Bank has extended a financial assistance grant of 100,000 BDT alongside a one-month paid leave to Ismail Ekon, an HSC examinee from Bagerhat who dutifully worked his night shift as an ATM booth security guard hours after buried his father, before appearing for his examination the following morning.

On Thursday, following instructions from the central head office of Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Md. Abu Hashem Mia, General Manager of the Khulna Regional Office, formally handed over the financial aid package to Ekon.

Overwhelmed by the support, Ekon and his family expressed deep gratitude to Bangladesh Krishi Bank, media outlets, and well-wishers who stood by them during this difficult period.

The tragedy unfolded when Ekon’s father, Israfil Daria, passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning. Residing in a rented home with his mother and a mentally challenged brother, Ekon—a resident of the Muniganj area in Bagerhat town—bore the sole financial responsibility of the household. After completing his father’s funeral rites on Tuesday afternoon, he reported for his scheduled night shift at the Krishi Bank ATM booth in Bagerhat. Straight after concluding his guard duties the next morning, he sat for his HSC examination at the Government PC College center.

The story of Ekon’s resilience and sacrifice gained widespread attention following media coverage, prompting numerous individuals at home and abroad to offer support for his family and educational expenses. Ekon had been working as an ATM guard for Krishi Bank since May to fund his education, having previously relied on private tutoring to cover his tuition fees.