The Education Ministry has instructed its three departments to come up with proposals suggesting alternative methods to hold this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Education Minister Dipu Moni issued the directive on Thursday at an online meeting called to discuss education issues in the Covid-19 and post Covid-19 period.
The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dhaka, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education and National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) have been assigned the task of exploring alternative ways for HSC exams to be held.
"A proposal on an alternative method for this year’s HSC exams will be prepared. They will present the proposal at our next meeting," the education minister added.
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Dipu Moni emphasized the importance of making online learning more effective at the university level.
“The Education Ministry is also working towards determining what kind of changes should be made to the education system in Covid-19 and post-coronavirus times,” she added.
At the meeting, she also instructed the teachers of secondary, higher secondary, madrasa and technical schools to keep students motivated through direct communication or by using social media platforms in compliance with hygiene rules owing to the deadly virus.
The meeting decided to extend the ongoing shutdown of all educational institutions in the country, except Qawmi madrasas, till October 3, as the coronavirus situation in the country is yet to improve.
Also Read - School, college shutdown extended till Oct 3
Among others, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, DSHE secretary Mahbub Hossain and Secretary of Technical and Madrasa Education Aminul Islam Khan were present at the meeting.
Besides, on the same day, while inaugurating 100% electricity coverage in 31 upazilas through a videoconference from Ganabhaban, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the media that educational institutions had remained closed due to the coronavirus, which was why final exams at different levels had not been taking place.
She said that for this reason, the government was thinking of promoting students without their sitting for any final exams.