Oikya Front pledges education reforms
In its manifesto, opposition coalition Jatiya Oikya Front has announced a number of pledges to bring reforms in the education sector including revoking of PEC and JSC examinations.
A uniformed admission test system for all public universities has been pledged as well.
If voted to power, Kamal Hossain-led Oikya Front would bring noticeable changes in the education system, Oikya Front leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna said while reading the 21-page manifesto on Monday.
Some of its pledges have created noise on the social media.
The pledge to cancel Primary Education Completion Certificate and Junior School Certificate examinations received appreciation.
“These two exams have ruined the mental health of the students and the education system,” Mushfique Wadud, a graduate teaching assistant at University of Nevada, Reno, USA, wrote on Facebook, welcoming the Front’s ‘bold’ move.
Faria Tabassum, a BBA student at Dhaka University, told Prothom Alo that she completely supports the Oikya Front’s promise of a single admission test for all public universities.
“A uniformed enrolment test would save the admission seekers from hassle—of time, costs and travels—for appearing in separate admission tests at different public universities across the country,” she said.
“I don’t want children being burdened with two more unnecessary public examinations at the school level.”
The pledges made in the manifesto for the education sector are:
1. Examinations for Primary Education Completion Certificate for class V students and Junior School Certificate for class VIII students will be cancelled. Priority will be given so that students can spend more time on recreation and sports.
2. A single admission test will be introduced for admission to all public universities.
3. Mobile internet using cost would be reduced to half. Free wi-fi facilities on educational institution premises and different important places would be provided.
4. In the first year of the government, steps would be taken to hold DUCSU election and regular elections would be held at all other student unions of public universities.
5. Educational expenses would be fixed for private universities and colleges.
6. Madrasa students will be educated in technical trainings and employment will be provided abroad for them. A commission will be formed for bringing reform in madrasa education with focus on employment.