Rethink holding exams during natural disaster

Continuous heavy rainfall, flooding and waterlogging across different parts of Bangladesh have severely disrupted normal life. The situation has become particularly alarming in Chattogram and its surrounding districts, where several HSC examinations under the Chattogram Education Board have already been postponed. However, students in many other parts of the country, including Dhaka, are still preparing to sit for their examinations despite facing waterlogged roads, transport disruptions, and intermittent electricity and internet outages.
The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination is one of the most important milestones in a student's academic journey. Conducting such a high-stake examination amid widespread natural disasters places an enormous burden on examinees. Many students are struggling with anxiety, uncertainty and inadequate opportunities to prepare properly. Some may even find it difficult to reach their examination centres safely due to flooded roads and disrupted transport services.
In view of these exceptional circumstances, the Ministry of Education should reassess the examination schedule from a humanitarian perspective. Allowing a gap of a few days between examinations or, if necessary, postponing them for about a week after evaluating the overall national situation would be a fair and compassionate decision. Such a measure would help ensure that students from all affected regions can sit for their examinations under more equitable conditions and with greater peace of mind.
National disasters call for flexible and empathetic policymaking. The authorities should prioritise the safety, well-being and equal opportunities of all examinees. It is hoped that the concerned authorities will give this issue the serious consideration it deserves and take decisions that best serve the interests of the country's students.

Md. Maherab Hossain Rotno
Student
Dhaka College