Strict assessment shattered illusions

The publication of this year’s HSC examination results marks the end of an era of hollowness in the country’s education system. A truth is self-evident that the assessment this year was strict and devoid of intention to create a false impression of academic success to gain political favouritism. The result has, in spite of that, triggered different reactions among people, and it is quite natural. This year, the pass rate is the lowest in 22 years.
Now, it is essential to set aside emotions for a while and look at this change rationally. It is, of course, saddening that a considerable number of examinees have failed, while many have not been able to secure expected grades. Nevertheless, if one asks his conscience whether the hypocrisy that looks root in the country’s education system during the Awami League regime was actually doing good for the nation, he will surely get only one answer: no.
Over the past few years, the country’s education system underwent numerous experiments. Students gradually lost their sincerity and developed the impression that they could secure good grades even without studying hard. Consequently, the number of students getting an A+ increased, and the pass rate rose at an astonishing pace, while the standards of education and students’ quality deteriorated. Various statistics published in newspapers have repeatedly shed light on students’ learning deficiencies, proving the fact. And truly, the Covid-19 pandemic dealt another blow to the education system, further weakening it and discouraging students from studying properly.
This is why this year’s HSC pass rate of around 50 per cent should not be viewed as a failure but as an indication of the restoration of academic discipline and seriousness. We hope the results will send a strong message to students that without hard work, securing an A+ or even passing an examination will no longer be possible. It should encourage them to study with greater attention, acquire skills and prepare themselves for their future careers. Meanwhile, it has been seen that there are some real flaws in the country’s education system, which must not be ignored. Many institutions reportedly do not have a sufficient number of skilled teachers to teach subjects like English and ICT, failing many students. So, the authorities concerned must also take steps to appoint skilled teachers for those subjects and resolve other problems to support the students.