Admission test held at school amid pandemic
South Point School and College in Dhaka held its admission tests yesterday, disregarding the government directives on keeping all educational institutions shut to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The authorities of the institution exposed students, including of grade-I and -II, to highly contagious Covid-19 by taking the tests, alleged several guardians.
Students who wanted to enroll to the English medium section of the institution had to participate in the tests.
The hour-long examinations started at 10:00 am and held at the Malibagh branch of the institution.
No journalist was allowed inside the campus premises during the examinations when they approached the authorities for comment.
Contacted, Hamida Ali, principal of South Point School and College, said the tests were taken "on the request of guardians".
"The branch authorities said they have taken the tests by maintaining health guidelines and social distance", she said.
She also admitted that arranging such tests could expose students, parents and their staffers to serious health risks.
"I don't know why the branch authorities have taken the admission tests. I have asked them not to hold such exams in the future amid this crisis."
Asked, Belal Hossain, director (secondary) to the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, said he was not aware of the matter. He promised to look into it.
All educational institutions in the country have remained shut since March 17. The closure had been extended till August 6 previously to prevent further spread of coronavirus.
On April 27, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said all educational institutions could stay closed until September if the situation caused by Covid-19 did not improve.
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