Education ministry planning to exclude some subjects from HSC exams

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Saturday said that her ministry is thinking about excluding some subjects from the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination syllabus as schools are closed due to Covid-19.

"We are ready to hold the examinations, but we have to wait forthe situation to normalise. We are thinking of excluding some papers," she said.

She also said that the current academic year might be extended to February 2021.

The minister said this at an online discussion organised by the Education Reporters' Association Bangladesh (ERAB).

Speaking about online classes, she noted that some students cannot log on to attend these classes as they do not have computer devices or access to the internet.

"Our team is trying to find a solution to this problem and provide internet facilities to the students. We are determined to connect all students to online classes," she added.

Md Mahbub Hossain, secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, said the ministry will do everything necessary to face the coronavirus.

"Our main target is to ensure that students keep studying amid the pandemic. And I can say we have been able to do that," he said.

Professor Emeritus of Brac University Manzoor Ahmed asked the government to cancel the Primary Education Completion (PEC) and Junior School Certificate (JSC) examinations.

"SSC [Secondary School Certificate] and HSC syllabuses should be abridged. Students should be allowed a maximum of four subjects for these exams," he added.

Executive Director of Campaign for Popular Education Rasheda K Chowdhury requested mobile phone operators to sponsor internet packages for students with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

"The education ministry must take initiatives to ensure internet for all students. It can also provide loans for digital devices so that students can attend online classes," she added.

ERAB President Mustak Ahmed presided over the event while Assistant Professor of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College Dr Farhana Khanam spoke as a special guest.