Citing a spike in Covid-19 infections in the country, students preparing for the upcoming HSC exams held a demonstration in front of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Rajshahi on Tuesday, demanding the postponement of their tests.
From noon to 2pm, the students rallied at the board's main gate, where they held their protest.
As part of the demonstration, the students also blocked the road in front of the board for about half an hour, halting traffic temporarily.
However, they allowed ambulances and other emergency service vehicles to pass.
The protesters said the resurgence of Covid-19 has affected many students and their family members.
In such circumstances, they said they are unable to properly prepare for the exams.
Holding the examinations now would pose a serious risk to both their physical and mental well-being, they claimed.
They urged the authorities to postpone the exams until the situation stabilizes and to announce a revised and reasonable schedule.
During the demonstration, police were present to maintain order.
Later, a six-member delegation of students met with the chairman of the board for nearly half an hour to present their concerns.
During the discussion, the students were assured that their demands would be conveyed to the Ministry of Education with due importance.
They were also informed that an important meeting is scheduled for Thursday, during which their demands would be raised.
Following this assurance, the students concluded their protest.
However, they warned that if no decision is made on Thursday regarding their demands, they will launch further protests.
Prof ANM Mofakkharul Islam, chairman of the board, said: “The Covid-19 situation has not yet reached a level that warrants cancelling the exams. Still, students from various boards are raising this concern.”
He added: “The exam dates are not set by the board. We told the students that if the situation worsens, the government will surely take it into consideration. Beyond that, there is nothing more we can say.
