English-Medium Schools: Guardians seek 50pc tuition waiver
Parents of students studying at English-medium school yesterday formed a human chain demanding 50 percent tuition waiver from all the schools, as the authorities are only conducting online classes.
Around 200 guardians of four schools, under the banner of Bangladesh English Medium School Parents Forum, staged demonstration in front of Hurdco International School in the capital's Bashundhara area.
Students' parents from Hurdco International School, DPS STS School, Sir John Wilson School and Play Pen School joined the human chain, said forum general secretary AZM Salahuddin.
Its president AKM Ashraful Haque and Salahuddin, among others, spoke at the programme. They alleged that many school authorities are refusing to give password and link for online classes to the students who have not paid full tuition fees amid this coronavirus crisis.
"This is inhuman," said Salahuddin.
The speakers said many parents of English-medium students -- who are working at private institutions or operating small or medium businesses -- are facing huge financial crisis amid the pandemic.
They also put forward a six-point demand -- including ensuring quality education at all such schools by formulating an acceptable policy, and formation of school management committee with representation from guardians.
Keeping the tuition and other fees of English-medium schools at an acceptable level and formation of an autonomous regulatory body to oversee activities of the institutions were also among the demands.
They said studentship of any student should not be cancelled due to delay in payment of tuition fees or non-payment during this crisis.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, education in Bangla and English medium schools are suffering. All educational institutions remained closed since March 17. The closure was extended till August 6.
Earlier on July 8, the parents' forum held a press conference where they raised the demands.
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