Writ seeks stay of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level exams

A writ has been filed at the High Court seeking a stay order of 'O' and 'A' level exams for the October-November session.

The writ filed by Advocate Moniruzzaman Linkon on behalf of 'A' level examinee Tabassum Kabir on Sunday also sought directives on formulating an operating policy for English medium schools in the country. 

The education secretary, secondary and higher secondary education secretary and deputy secretary and exam operation director of the British Council have been made respondents in the writ, said Advocate Moniruzzaman confirming the legal step.

A High Court bench comprising Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Md Khairul Alam may hold the hearing over the writ this week, Moniruzzaman added.

Last Wednesday, the British Council made a statement saying that this year's international GCSE, IGCSE, 'O' level and  'A' level exams of the October-November session will be held as per schedule. The statement also said that the Education Ministry has given its consent in this regard.

The candidates of the exams will be evaluated by the exam board of the UK through tests. There is no scope of evaluation without an exam, it said, adding that art and design exams will be out of the purview of this directive.

According to the British Council statement, around 5,200 Bangladeshi students registered in July-August for the October-November session.

The timely holding of the exams is important for them. The British Council will give utmost priority to the safety of the students' health while following the Bangladesh government's Covid-19 protocol alongside the prevention and control measures advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It also assures the wearing of masks by students, social distancing, cleansing and sanitising of exam halls in all centres.