Investigation launched over SSC candidates being charged extra fees

Board of Secondary and Intermediate Education, Chittagong, has launched an investigation against 15 schools for allegedly charging SSC examinees more than the board-stipulated fees for signing up for the public tests. Urging necessary action against the errant educational institutes, the aggrieved guardians lodged a written complaint with the Board of Secondary and Intermediate Education, Chittagong. Later, a three-member committee was formed headed by Prof Shawkat Alam, secretary of Board of Secondary and Intermediate Education, Chittagong, to probe into the allegations. The alleged schools are Aburhat High School, Sholoshahar Public School, Kisholoy Adarsha High School, Purba Bairaya TMC High School, Bangladesh Railway Station Colony High School, Khaja Ajmery High School, Meherunnesa Foyej High School, Kumira Abasik High School & College, Saraipara City Corporation High School, Bhatiary Haji TAC High School, Rajabhuban High School, Charati Durduri High School, Shahid Abdul Hamid Madhyamik Biddyalay, Deilpra Nimnamadhyamik Biddyalay and Bangalhalia High School. Prof Shaheda Islam, chairman of Board of Secondary and Intermediate Education, Chittagong, said: “We received complaints that some schools were charging extra fees from the candidates. We have already formed a probe body to investigate the allegations. Necessary actions will be taken if any school is found guilty.” Earlier, the High Court ruled that no educational institution can charge additional fees from the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidates to let them sit for the public examinations. If any institution collects extra fees from the candidates, the authorities will have to refund the student within 30 days. According to the rule, the government can suspend the managing committee and governing body of the institution if the refund is not done in due time. The court also asked the government to issue a cautionary notice to this effect so that the institutions cannot charge extra fees.