A Reunion of Souls: Rediscovering the Cadet College Bond
There are places that shape us, not just through the lessons taught in classrooms but through the bonds we form and the experiences we live. For me, that place was Sylhet Cadet College, a chapter of my life that still feels like a dream—intense, beautiful, and unforgettable. Recently, I had the privilege of returning to this sacred ground for a reunion, an event that wasn’t just about revisiting old buildings but about rekindling friendships and reliving the essence of who we once were.
As I stepped through the gates, the years melted away. The bricks, the corridors, the fields—they stood still in time, but we had journeyed far. Yet, despite the passage of decades, one truth resonated through the laughter and nostalgia that followed: “Adding numbers to our age is undeniable, but whether to get old or not is our choice.”
The Cadet College Experience: More Than Just a School
For those unfamiliar, Cadet Colleges in Bangladesh are akin to the public schools of the UK—elite, disciplined, and deeply transformative. Administered by the Bangladesh Army, these institutions are more than just schools; they are breeding grounds for resilience, leadership, and lifelong camaraderie.
Admission to a Cadet College is no easy feat. At just 12 years old, we competed with thousands of hopefuls, securing a place that would define our youth. From class 7 to class 12, we lived a life of structure—academics, military drills, sports, and values that would shape us forever. Many of us went on to universities, some abroad, and a good number joined the Armed Forces, carrying forward the legacy of discipline and honor.
But ask any cadet, and they will tell you: it wasn’t the education or the uniforms that made the experience extraordinary. It was the people—the friends who became brothers, the seniors who became mentors, the juniors who became younger brothers and followers, the teachers who became guardians.
A Reunion Unlike Any Other
Fast forward to the present—during this 9th OCAS Reunion, like all other batches, our batch of 1996-2002 came together for a grand reunion. It was the biggest gathering we had ever seen, a testament to the strength of our bond. Some of us flew in from the UK, the US, Japan, and beyond—executives, bankers, entrepreneurs, scientists—yet in those three magical days, titles and achievements became irrelevant.
We laughed like teenagers, cracking the same silly jokes. We shared beds, blankets, and even towels, just like the old days. We ate together, without a care for seating arrangements. And most importantly, we felt young again, untouched by the burdens of adulthood.
Upal, our dear friend and General Secretary of the Old Cadets’ Association of Sylhet, orchestrated the event with unmatched dedication. His efforts made it one of the most memorable reunions in years, bringing our families into this unique brotherhood.
The Power of Friendship: A Timeless Connection
One of the most touching aspects of this reunion was how seamlessly our families blended into our world. Wives, children, and even parents witnessed the unbreakable connection we share.
Seeing Zahid, who now resides in Japan, after 25 years was a surreal moment. Would we meet again? Maybe. Maybe not. But for those three days, time bent to our will, allowing us to hold onto something pure, something untouched by the passage of years.
And as we parted ways, there was an unspoken understanding—we may not know where or when we will reunite again, but we know we will.
For the Young Dreamers and Their Parents
If you are a young reader wondering whether Cadet College is worth the challenge, let me assure you—it is. It will push you beyond your limits, test your resilience, and forge friendships that transcend time and distance.
And if you are a parent, considering this path for your child, know this—Cadet College doesn’t just prepare students for a career; it prepares them for life.
Aging is Inevitable, Growing Old is a Choice
As I walked away from the reunion, I carried with me an unshakable realization. We have added years to our lives, but we have not grown old. The spirit of those twelve-year-old cadets still lives within us, refusing to fade.
Because at the end of the day, we are not just alumni of a school—we are a family, bound not by blood, but by something far deeper.
Until the next reunion, my brothers. Let’s live, laugh, and carry the essence of those days with us—always.
This story is more than a personal reflection; it is a tribute to the institution that shaped us and the friendships that continue to define us. If you are a former cadet, share your experiences in the comments. And if you know someone considering Cadet College, let them know—they are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
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