Children trapped in exam cycle

Guardians of students studying at different schools in the capital yesterday demanded the government to abolish the primary terminal examination from this year in order to reduce the "pressure of tests".

They also sought the prime minister's intervention to scrap the test.

The guardians made the demand at a human chain organised by Obhibhabok Oikya Forum, in front of Jatiya Press Club where over a hundred of parents and students, holding banners and placards, participated in the hour-long programme.

"We need to reduce the extra burden of examinations for the sake of the students' physical and psychological development," said Ziaul Kabir Dulu, president of the forum.

He alleged that centring the exam, teachers in most cases force students to either take tuitions from them or attend coaching classes.

Dilara Chowdhury, a guardian whose daughter studies at Viqarunnisa Noon School, said the children take four public examinations before finishing their class-XII studies, which is unheard of.

"The children are stuck in a cycle of examinations," she said.

The forum demanded a complete ban on coaching through enacting a law and taking steps so that the teachers give lessons at classrooms properly.

It will organise a two-hour long sit-in in front of Jatiya Press Club on April 21 and a two-hour token hunger strike on May 27.

The government introduced the exams in 2009, scarping the scholarship exams. The students must pass the exams for enrolments in class-VI. Scholarships are given on the basis of the results.

Meanwhile, National Front of Teachers and Employees (NFTE), a platform of 11 teachers and employees' organisations, held a rally at Central Shaheed Minar yesterday, to press home their 21-point demand including giving salaries to the MPO-listed teachers under the eighth pay scale.