HSC, equivalent exams postponed over coronavirus pandemic
The next date for the exams will be announced on the first week of April
In the wake of an increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Education Ministry has postponed the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations, which were scheduled to start from April 1.
The ministry took the decision at an emergency meeting on Sunday in the capital, following the recommendation of the chairmen of all education boards.
The Education Ministry's Senior Information Officer Abul Khair said the next date for the exams will be announced in the first week of April.
About 11 to 13 lakh students were expected to sit for the HSC and equivalent examinations. The examinations had been scheduled to be held at over 9,000 educational institutions under 10 education boards—eight general, one madrassa and one technical education board.
Dhaka Education Board Chairman Ziaul Haque told The Business Standard on Sunday that actually there is no atmosphere to hold the examinations.
"The situation is not favourable for taking the examinations because guardians and students are worried about the coronavirus. So, we held a meeting and recommended postponing the examinations," he added.
"The new schedule for the examinations will be published soon," he said.
Earlier on March 16, the education ministry closed all educational institutions and coaching centres across Bangladesh till March 31.
It also asked students to stay at home.
A total of 27 people have been infected with coronavirus in Bangladesh so far. Of them, two have died and five of the infected have recovered.