English-medium schools

Roksana Sultana's letter on English-medium schools, which was published  in the Financial Express on August 13, 2014, is very timely. However, I would like to add a few more points: (1) Despite government decision, most of the English-medium schools have raised monthly tuition fees after adjustment of re-admission fees. (2) During admission or change/transfer of schools, a large amount of money has to be paid. (3) Value Added Tax (VAT) was 4.50 per cent up to June 2014 which has been raised to 7.50 per cent by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). (4) A number of schools are now taking re-admission fees in the name of school development fund and stationery fees. Stationeries had so far been provided by the guardians.

With reference to the above points, I put forward some suggestions/recommendations: (1) A standard should be set regarding tuition fees and other charges which should be rational. (2) All sorts of hidden/extra charges must be prohibited. (3) Stern actions need to be taken against any violation/complain received from guardians. (4) Government charges/taxes/ VAT should be Zero to encourage this sector.

Malik Muntasir Reza

mmreza74@gmail.com