1.48m students sit for SSC exam amid tight security

Some 1.48 million students finally sat for their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations Friday across the country amid tight security measures because of the ongoing countrywide transport blockade.
The examinations on Bangla first paper scheduled earlier for February 02, were deferred until Friday following a countrywide general strike called by the BNP-led alliance.
Examinations of the second day on Bengali 2nd paper scheduled for Wednesday, will now be held today (Saturday) from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
However, students and their guardians are still suffering from uncertainty over successful completion of the remaining examinations in time as the ongoing political violence is continuing.
Ishtiak Mahmud, a candidate from Saint Gregory High School in the capital, expressed his happiness for completing the first examination, but he feared whether he would be able to sit for the remaining exams accordingly.
"We couldn't take necessary preparations because of frequent rescheduling of examinations," he said, adding that because of rescheduling they need to prepare for exams without any break.  
Zabed Ahmed, a guardian, said as political situation is very unlikely to be normal shortly, its effect is sure to hit the schedule of taking examinations, question paper evaluation and, finally, announcing the results in time.
"How would it be possible to complete all the subjects by taking exams Fridays and Saturdays?" asked Nishat Afroz, another guardian, while talking to the FE to express her frustration.
Mother of a student of the Engineering University School and College, Mrs Nishat said because of political reasons, students have become victims with uncertainty hovering over their success. She said if the situation does not get normal, schedule for higher-secondary classes would also be affected.
Meanwhile, because of unfair means during the examination, 19 examinees were expelled across the country. Besides, three on-duty teachers also were expelled on the day for aiding students illegally, a media statement from the Dhaka Education Board said.
This year, a total of 1.48 million students from 27,808 schools across the country are taking part in the secondary school examinations.
According to the existing schedule, the theory exams will be completed by March 10, while practical exams will go on until March 16, 2015.
    khairulislamdu@gmail.com