'Auto-pass is the opposite of what our students fought for'

If mob justice gets its way and gets to decide the exam system, that is a problem.

Auto-passing is never an acceptable thing because this generation will always be criticised by people; they will always be tagged as 'autopass' students. It can never be the solution. If there is any problem regarding the examination, it can be discussed, and then a better solution may come up. You cannot just take a decision like this. 

On what grounds did they decide to cancel the exam? We don't understand. We have to identify the problem first. Until we understand what seems to be the problem, we cannot suggest a solution. 

Grading only based on the exams students have so far sat for is harmful to meritocracy. Such a grading system harms students who are studious and meritorious. And the ones not so serious about studies take advantage of this system. 

Just because some people got inside the secretariat and demanded something doesn't mean you will have to agree to that. Students of Bangladesh just fought for meritocracy, a system based on merit. And then this decision is not very good. People now have expectations of a meritocracy-based society, and this decision is opposite of that.

Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan is a Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka