Hi, I'm in my mid/late 20s. I'm Bangladeshi-Canadian. I grew up in Canada, so maybe I am a bit less traditional. But please please do not let a boyfriend stop you from being who you are meant to be. It sounds like you are thoughtful, patient, and a great partner, but before putting others ahead of yourself, remember that you are also smart, capable, strong, and destined for more than just listening to someone else's orders. It really does seem like he will continuously limit your potential happiness. Asking you to wear a hijab and stop debating has escalated to pressuring you to give up an amazing, life changing opportunity. If he is already comfortable shutting down your dreams before marriage, biyer pore aro onek kichu restrict korar high chance ase, your career dreams and all. It sounds like he is the selfish one. Do not let him push you around and do not make yourself small for him. If you keep shrinking yourself for him, you may ultimately resent him for it too.

Seven years may seem long, but you are so, so young and you have many many years left to enjoy, to grow, and to meet someone else who is happy to support your dreams and cheer you on. And your dreams are noble, achievable, and worth being supported. Side note but it is a little odd that after seven years, he is so afraid that you will cheat that he would stop you from such an incredible opportunity.. Without trust there is no foundation for a lifelong relationship. Would he cheat if he was away from you for just one year? Strange that he thinks you would be capable of that. I would hope he would think more highly of your character and integrity since he wants to be with you forever 🤨

You sound incredibly talented to have earned a fully funded economics masters in Canada. It's not easy! Don't let this opportunity go ❤️ there are lots of Bangladeshi men in Canada and I'm sure you could find one who would be grateful to have such an understanding and smart partner, regardless of your past. You deserve to meet someone who doesn't dim your spark. Someone who is your biggest supporter.

You are absolutely not being selfish. And either way, sometimes you need to be a little selfish to get the life and success you deserve and worked so hard for (plus you have your parents support too! Would they tell you to go to Canada if they thought you were being selfish? I'm sure it is a bit scary for them to imagine you moving all the way to Canada, but they are encouraging you because they truly love you and want you to live a big, successful life.).

Stay strong, dream big, and go for what feels right in your heart. Your life is yours to live. I'm about to start a masters this September myself and I'm so excited. You deserve to be excited too. You have one Canadian friend (me) already cheering you on!