Parents demand 30-60pc tuition waiver

A section of parents of English-medium students yesterday demanded 30-60 percent tuition waiver based on school categories, as schools are only conducting online classes. 

Under the banner of Bangladesh English Medium School Parents Forum, they alleged that many schools discontinued online access to classes for those who had not paid full tuition fees. The parents made the remarks in a press conference at the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

They said many parents of English-medium students -- who are working at private institutions or operating businesses -- are facing a financial crisis amid the pandemic.

AKM Ashraful Haque, the forum's president, said they divided schools in three categories based on if they have their own campus, and smaller schools with lower revenue.

He demanded 60 percent waiver from schools that have their own campuses, and 40 percent for those that are on rented campuses. He also sought 30 percent waiver from the third category of schools with fewer than 500 students.

"We want every school to meet the parents' forum of respective institutions and come to a solution. It is inhuman to cancel studentship due to delay in tuition payment or non-payment during the crisis," he said.

They also put forward a six-point demand, which includes ensuring quality education at all schools by formulating a policy and formation of school management committee with representation from guardians.

AZM Salahuddin, the forum's general secretary, presented the demands and urged the prime minister's intervention in this regard.

Due to the pandemic, both Bangla and English medium schools are struggling. All educational institutions remain closed since March 17.