Police help for SSC examinees wins hearts, gains praise

Mim, a student of Udayan School, had just arrived at the Uttara Girls School for her SSC exams. There, one of her worst nightmares were confirmed: this was not her exam centre. She had come to the wrong place. 

As her worries grew, she took the help of a nearby support booth set up by police. And in just a short time, she was taken to the right centre at the Uttara High School and College before her exams had begun.

Like Mim, when around 15 students rode to their SSC examination centre in Uttara High School and College on police motorcycles or pick-up vans, it seemed to stir some curiosity in those present. 

What was the reasoning behind such a privilege accorded to them? 

It wasn't any VIP-links. Instead, they were candidates who had trouble reaching their exam venue or had been rescued by police after going to the wrong centre.

According to Uttara West police station OC Mohammad Mohsin, they had been instructed to ensure that students reached their exam venues smoothly amid VIP movement in the city which coincided with the examination time.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police had also issued a traffic advisory on this yesterday. 

The police had been patrolling areas near exam venues since morning to ensure Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees could reach their centre without any problem. 

Besides, a special team headed by the officer-in-charge (OC) and an inspector of the station set up a support booth at the Uttara High School and College, among others.

OC Mohammad Mohsin said candidates who came to the booth were provided masks, sanitisers, clean drinking water and pens by the police for free.

At the same time, if any candidate faced any trouble to reach the examination centre or reached the wrong centre, they were quickly sent to the right place with the help of the support team which had three police pickups and 10 motorcycles. 

Even if a student left their admit card at home by mistake, police was dispatched to go and get it. Law enforcers also helped students stuck in traffic jams using their motorcycle.

The initiative by the police was much appreciated by social media users. 

Many, however, also pointed out that it was the police's job to help citizens and such practices should be continued during regular periods as well.