Janata Bank viva voce exams to continue despite coronavirus fears
Amid aspirants' fears over coronavirus, the Bankers' Selection Committee Secretariat is taking viva voce for the post of 'Assistant Executive Officer (AEO)' of Janata Bank Limited.
The authorities have been taking the test of 90 aspirants a day -- in two shifts of 45 each -- from March 10 and the procedure will conclude on April 5.
Seeking anonymity, many students told The Daily Star that participating in the viva would be very difficult for them in the coming days because of fears surrounding the spread of coronavirus.
"I have been staying home for the last three days and bus services have been suspended in some districts. In this situation, the bank authorities should reschedule the viva voce exam," said a student who is supposed to take the test on March 23.
"90 students obviously would come from different places; if one of them is infected with the virus, then we too are at risk. So it is better to postpone the viva until the situation develops," said a student who lives in Munshiganj.
"The bus service from Rajshahi has already been suspended for an indefinite period, so I don't know how I would come to Dhaka," said a student living in Rajshahi, whose viva is also scheduled to be held on March 23.
When contacted, Mr. Mohammad Ali, GM & Member Secretary of Bankers' Selection Committee Secretariat told The Daily Star that they have planned to carry on taking viva voce as a limited number take the test every day. "We have already suspended some other preliminary and written tests considering [the risk of] mass gathering, which could spread coronavirus," he said.
Asked if anyone misses the test due to complications arising from the measures taken to contain the virus, he said students not able to appear for the viva voce for any logical reason would be able to participate at a later date if they provide proof of their extenuating circumstances.
"If the coronavirus situation worsens, we will take whatever decision is necessary," Ali added.