Education calendar at sixes and sevens

IN the ongoing political turmoil, routine public examinations have been thrown into a chaotic state. SSC exam schedules have been interrupted regularly and not a single exam was held on time. Now the HSC and equivalent examinations are to start from April 1. People are apprehensive that this time the examinees will face even a greater ordeal. 

As the number of tests at HSC level is higher than at the SSC one, it would require 30 weeks to complete the exam schedules on weekends alone. This unusual delay will have serious domino effect across the whole education system. Frequent changes in examination schedules demoralize students and make it really difficult for them to perform to their potential. If it happens it will have serious impact on their future educational career. Also disruption in exam schedules will certainly delay the university admission process and prospective students for higher studies will lose valuable time of the academic year. 

People from all walks of life, especially students and their parents, have repeatedly requested the political parties to settle their differences which has so far fallen on deaf ears. In particular BNP-led alliance by its continuous blockade and hartal has irreparably harmed the cause of education. One wonders what a political party will gain from this abuse of power other than alienating themselves from the people. We want to reiterate our demand for a swift end to this politics of violence leading to restoration of peace for normal pursuit of education and other avocations.