Government-academics consultation must

The government should immediately sit with educationists and academics to fix admission procedures of public and private universities in the country, said speakers at a roundtable yesterday.

They said although the nation was quite happy with candidates' performances in the public examinations, the poor results obtained by students in admission tests, particularly for Dhaka University, have frustrated people, and raised questions about the quality of education.

Some speakers suggested the government bolster schools and colleges so that public examinations can be held under them instead of the education boards.

Shushashoner Janney Nagorik (Shujan), a platform for civil society members, organised the roundtable titled "Current state of Bangladesh's education'' at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

"The chaotic situation prevailing in the education system is manifestation of the country's overall disorderly situation," said Justice Qazi Ebadul Haque.

He said the situation would not improve until teachers become dedicated and committed towards their profession.

Media personality Muhammad Jahangir said questions were raised about whether the results of secondary and higher secondary examinations were realistic or artificially made.

He said there are allegations that the government asks teachers to be flexible when marking.

Dhaka University Professor Asif Nazrul said the education system is being destroyed by question paper leakage and teachers being allowed to be flexible when marking.

Badiul Alam Majumder, secretary at Shujon, said schools and colleges would be more accountable if they are allowed to hold public examinations under their own management.

Abdul Matin Patowary, former vice chancellor of Buet, said education at the university level cannot be improved without first improving primary level education.

Improvement in the education section has been made, but not the way other countries have done, said Education Secretary Nazrul Islam Khan.  

Brining major improvement in the education sector is not an easy task as it takes time, dedicated people, investment and socio-economic condition, he added.

Dilip Kumar Sarkar, chief coordinator of Shujan, read out the written statement. Shujan President M Hafizuddin Khan also spoke.