No more roll numbers, issue IDs to students soon: DSHE

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has directed the schools across the country to immediately give ID numbers of secondary (sixth-tenth) level students alphabetically or randomly.

A press release signed by DSHE Director General Prof Syed Md Golam Farooq was sent to secondary school headmasters, thana education officers, district education officers and regional DSHE deputy directors across the country.

According to the directive, it was not possible to take the annual examinations at the secondary level due to the pandemic.

"However, assignment-based assessment activities have been completed across the country. Based on this assessment, there is a mixed reaction among parents as to whether it would be appropriate to give roll numbers to students," the release read.

In addition, the roll number system creates competition and rivalry among students, which is an obstacle to achieving quality education.

DSHE release further said it is necessary to create a collaborative mentality among the students. In this case, using the ID number instead of roll number system will create a favourable environment," it said.

DSHE's instructions suggested that students can be given ID numbers in two ways --- in a random selection method or based on the first letter of the spelling of the students' name.

It urged education officers at the field level and educational institutions to take the next step in this regard.

In a press briefing on 29 December 2020, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni said the authorities will assign identification numbers to each student instead of a class roll number to decrease the uneven competition in schools.