The ongoing students’ Quota Reform Movement has led to the closure of schools and universities across the country. It also caused the postponement of HSC and all equivalent examinations, upsetting academic calendars and hampering the education of a large number of students.
The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, however, stated that it wants to hold the postponed exams after 11 August. But uncertainty hangs heavy on the academic lives of the students as the reopening of secondary schools and universities are yet to be declared. However, primary schools apart from the 12 major city corporations are scheduled to reopen on 4 August.
Activities at public universities, however, have been halted since July 1, when teachers went on work abstention to demand the reinstatement of the previous pension scheme in place of the ‘Prottoy scheme’.
Besides, the subsequent curfew and internet shutdown have cast a long grief and uncertainty over the country, severely damaging the economy. It is to be noted that the students’ peaceful protests turned violent as Bangladesh Chhatra League attacked them on the Dhaka University campus on 15 July. This unprecedented violence and police attacks since July 16 had left over 200 people, including students, dead and thousands injured.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding the HSC examinations have caused serious anxiety for students and parents alike. Delays in the examination schedule no doubt will have a knock- on and inevitably impact result publication and university admissions. So, the upcoming academic schedule and subsequent stages of education will need to be delayed. Though some affluent parents opt to send their children to private universities to avoid session jams and student politics, the current quota movement affected the students of all institutions seriously.
The government must take immediate steps to restart postponed examinations and reopen all educational institutions to prevent a long-term educational crisis. Engaging in meaningful dialogue with the protesting students is essential to find a lasting solution and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students.
As restoring normalcy in the classroom cannot be achieved through law enforcement measures alone, the government must take comprehensive action to support education and sincerely address the existing problems.