Bangladesh Studies
I am shocked and surprised by the decision taken by the British Council of Bangladesh and Edexcel International Examinations Body to debar Bangladeshi English Medium Students from participation and inclusion of Bangladesh Studies in GCE Ordinary Level Examinations. The only ground they try to advance is that the number of candidates is not enough. So it is not profitable for them. This debarment will deprive the English Medium Students' only way to enlighten themselves about Bangladesh--its precise history and salient geographical features.
Most English Medium Schools have never underscored the importance of this branch of learning and from now on there will be no room for reading or studying Bangladesh at secondary level in English Medium Schools.
A precise examination of the summery of the main topics, (as a course of study) reveals that Bangladesh Studies comprises two papers. Topics are divided as (1) History before the Mughals (2) Bengal in the Mughal Empire and under British rule (3) Partition to Partition (4) Undivided Pakistan and struggle for the Independence and the Creation of Bangladesh and (5) Language Movement, economic disparity and our heritage and culture. The Second Paper contains briefly location, climate, rivers, soil, natural resources, agriculture, industries etc. Total marks for the two papers are 120 and questions are set with wide choices/options so that even average students can get through with an idea of their motherland's history and salient features of their country's ecology.
Last but not the least-unlike Bangladesh Studies, Pakistan Studies, Indian Studies etc. go on resolutely (in spite of difficulties). Taking into account that the subject has great worth, significance, influence and magnitude, let our younger generation learn and be enlightened on their motherland. I fervently appeal to the British Council and Edexcel to reconsider their decision and be more farsighted.
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