NCP has condemned the decision to continue Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations nationwide despite persistent heavy rainfall and widespread waterlogging, demanding an immediate suspension of the tests.
In a press release issued on Monday, the party said public life in Dhaka, and various other regions has been severely disrupted by the weather.
Under these circumstances, examinees are being forced to travel to examination centres in adverse conditions, which the party described as a significant risk to their safety and health.
NCP said while Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee suspended examinations for districts under Chattogram Education Board on Sunday, more than 1.2 million candidates registered under other education boards are still expected to attend their exams as scheduled.
The party added that the situation cannot be managed simply by issuing traffic directions or advising students to leave for their venues earlier.
Joint Member Secretary and Education Affairs Secretary of NCP Faisal Mahmud Shanto, said the safety of a student’s life should never be considered less important than maintaining an examination schedule.
He added that forcing millions of candidates to risk their lives to reach centres while the country is devastated by rain and flooding is not “responsible behaviour,” mentioned in the press release.
Shanto further suggested that authorities should seriously consider scheduling HSC and equivalent examinations during a more favourable time of year instead of monsoon season.
He said failing to address this would lead to recurring uncertainty and anxiety for students and parents every year, which could have a negative impact on exam preparation and final results.
NCP has called for a suspension of all ongoing HSC and equivalent examinations under every education board until the disastrous situation improves. The party also urged the relevant authorities to announce a new schedule once the situation returns to normal, allowing examinees and guardians sufficient time for adequate preparation.
