Crisis in education sector continues to deepen as the authorities concerned are yet to come up with any specific directives on reopening the institutions and holding examinations delayed by coronavirus pandemic.
Everything depends on the development of coronavirus situation since the government fears the second wave of infections may hit the country in the winter.
“The decision to reopen educational institutions and hold Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) (and its equivalent] examinations depend on the covid-19 situation,” Dr Md Mokbul Hossain, chairman of Rajshahi Education Board, told Bangladesh Post on Friday.
Referring to the health ministry Dr Mokbul said the ministry think that Covid-19 situation is in favor they then will give a positive response to the Prime Minister for conducting the exams.
Sources at the health ministry said, officials still deem corona situation unfavorable. If the rate of infection reduces significantly and the number of deaths reaches zero, it will be understood then that the pandemic has been brought under control.
As of Friday, total number of coronavirus reached 356,767 and deaths at 5,093 with some 1,383 new cases and 21 deaths in the span of last 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
On HSC and equivalent examinations, Jessore Education Board Chairman Prof Abdul Alim told Bangladesh Post, “Tests can be hold by maintaining hygiene rules. Questions and answer sheets are ready. Once the test dates are announced we will complete all preparations in 15 days.”
Prof Abdul Alim, however, admitted that it becomes impossible to hold a public exam like before.
“The test will be conducted by ensuring hygiene rules at the centers. All education boards have been asked to prepare for the exams,” he said.
Meanwhile, on September 24, the Inter-Education Coordinating Board, consisting of the chairmen of all 11 education boards, held a meeting that ended with no decision.
“We are ready to conduct take examinations once the educational institutions reopen,” President of the Inter-Education Coordinating Board and the Chairman of the Dhaka Education Board Prof Ziaul Haque told the reporters after the meeting.
“The education ministry will announce a new date for HSC exams,” he said adding the class VIII students have to go under evaluation to get promoted to the next class.
Hours after the meeting, the education ministry, in a statement, said decision is yet to be taken regarding the HSC and its equivalent examinations.
The ministry urged the students to continue with their studies and to not worry about their future, it added.