Edu’ may face great loss as second wave of Covid-19 set to strike

Although educational institutions have been opened in different countries of the world, they have again closed the institutions in fear of second wave of coronavirus.

Various public examinations have also been postponed. Bangladesh is not exceptional of this. The HSC exams have been canceled due to fear of second wave of coronavirus in November-December. 

Basically, concerned are fearing this wave throughout the winter. As a result, new fears and uncertainty have been raised about SSC and university admissions in 2021.

According to those concerned, coronavirus has caused extreme damage to the country’s economy as well as other sectors, including the education sector. Almost a year has already been wasted. However, a large portion of students are being deprived of benefits of online classes and television lessons even if the government continues online classes to compensate them. The second wave of coronavirus will create new doubts about SSC exam along with loss of teaching.

Pre-selection of students of class-10 is usually held in July of the year while selection in October. The pre-selection or half-yearly examinations of Class XII students are held in July-August while selection in December.

The forms of SSC candidates are filled in while HSC candidates in December-January. The pre-selection examination of SSC-HSC candidates has already been suspended. There was no annual examination of class XI this year. These students have been given ‘Auto Pass’ based on the results of various class tests and half-yearly examinations held at the college level in Class XI.

Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee President Prof. Ziaul Haque said, “SSC examinations are usually held in February while HSC examinations in April every year. Education teaching is suspended due to coronavirus pandemic. There is no opportunity to take direct exams or class test. Due to this, it will be difficult to complete examinations on time. If the situation becomes normal, any decision regarding exams and classes can be implemented.”

Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director General Syed Mohammad Ghulam Faruk said, “There is no opportunity to open institutions until the situation returns to normal. However, our activities on television are ongoing. Our online teaching will continue until the corona situation becomes normal. Second wave of coronavirus has created new fears. Because we cannot open educational institutions until the situation becomes completely normal.”

It was learned that the second wave of coronavirus will begin in November when the infection may increase further. Recently, the Minister of Education Dipu Moni said that when the second wave comes, if the infection increases, there are doubts about opening educational institutions. As such, it is uncertain whether the educational institution will open this year.

Besides, if there is an outbreak of coronavirus in winter, there are doubts as to whether educational institutions can be opened at the beginning of the new year.

Akram Al Hossain, senior secretary at the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said, “The impact of coronavirus is more in cold countries. Winter in our country starts from the end of November. Its outbreak starts increasing since December. Coronavirus proliferation may increase during this period. And if the coronavirus infection increases, there is no opportunity to open educational institutions. If the situation does not become normal, the students will not be able to attend class or exam physically.

He also commented that the government will take a decision according to the situation.