Bangladesh students take key tests in shanty, fall sick in searing heat

Once, they were made to sit the exams in an open field. This year, it has got better, if you like.

Monir Hossain Kamal Barguna Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 6 April 2015, 05:06 PM
Updated : 6 April 2015, 07:43 PM
At first glance, a makeshift room on a Barguna school premises may seem anything but an examination centre.

But 160 HSC candidates are being forced to sit the tests at the Taltali’s Begum Nurjahan Girls’ High School’s shanty-styled room that may collapse anytime.

Students say the atmosphere is unsuitable for examinations with the scorching heat making them ill.

Altogether 430 students from Taltali Degree College, Dr Shahidul Islam College, and Taltali School and College are sitting for the exams at the centre.

But MA Jabbar, the supervisor, defended the arrangements.

“We’ve been taking examinations this way since 2010 as we have no alternative,” he said. “The students are taking the tests amid risks.”

Barguna’s Deputy Commissioner Meer Jahurul Islam said the administration would look into the matter and take necessary steps.

Shohag Hawlader, an examinee, said the room’s tin-roof is just above the head.

“We’re having serious problems writing the answers. Extreme heat makes us sweat a lot,” he said. “It’s really troublesome.”

Candidates and their parents fear the conditions at the examination centre might affect the results.

Abdul Jalil Hawlader’s son is taking the tests at the centre.

“On a previous occasion, the examination was taken in an open field,” he recalled. “This year, they made the makeshift room.

“You can’t expect good results from the children this way.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had announced in 2010 to make Taltoli an Upazila.

Two years later, the Upazila was formed with three Unions and a Upazila Executive Officer was appointed in 2013.

However, the new Upazila is yet to have the necessary infrastructure.

Taltoli Degree College’s Principal Harun-or-Rashid, in-charge of the examination centre, said he was aware of the students’ sufferings.

He claimed the school’s academic building could not be developed as it had not been regularised.

“We’ve chosen this school as there are no ‘good venues’ in Taltoli,” Rashid said.