The whole country is going through turbulence for the last few days due to the current political situation. The educational institutions and the students, especially the students of international curriculum, are suffering irreparable losses, as most of the international schools remain closed during this kind of circumstances.
Finally, the stern decision of cancelling the exams taken recently by the British Council authority has created a deep crisis among the students. The British Council has declared to cancel the ‘O’ and ‘A’ level exams which was to be held on January 21 and 22 due to the 24 hours long hartal.
During situations like these the British Council conduct these exams at late hours, but they have never cancelled the exams in the past. Our students are ready to take the pain of appearing the exams from midnight even.
Owing to such decision, the candidates are going to suffer both psychologically and financially. The financial losses can be met up by the parents/guardians, but the mental sufferings, the frustrations that the students will go through is irreparable.
The ‘A’ level students have been able to appear for Physics Unit-1 and 2, (Unit-3 has been cancelled), and the British Council has decided to award average marks for Unit-3 on the basis of the other two units results which might not be beneficial for many of the students.
Many students will miss the next session for their higher studies. Those who want to apply for the Public Universities as well as for scholarships abroad will be termed as irregular students.
Lastly, it will ruin the image of Bangladesh in the international Education arena because probably Bangladesh is the first country where British Council has been compelled to cancel the exams due to the political turbulence.
I hope the concerned authorities inside and outside the country help resolve the current situation. We need to keep the mental health and the future career of the students in mind before taking any decision regarding their educational aspects.
Md Shahjahan Shirazee
Vice Principal, BISC