Parents Conduct Exams Amid Teachers’ Strike in Kushtia

In Kushtia, the primary schools faced disruption due to teachers’ strike and annual exam boycotts over three sets of demands. Angered by the ‘complete shutdown’ called by the teachers, parents took it upon themselves to conduct the exams.

The incident occurred on Thursday (4 December) morning at Lihini Government Primary School, situated on the outskirts of Kushtia town. As the teachers failed to hold the exams at the scheduled time, parents, frustrated by the situation, entered classrooms and arranged the tests themselves. They managed everything, from distributing and collecting answer sheets to maintaining discipline.

Parents claimed that while teachers may have valid demands, striking during exams was unacceptable. They emphasised that the annual tests reflect students’ year-long efforts, and they could not allow the strike to ruin this. Consequently, they assumed the responsibility of conducting the exams themselves.

The headteacher and president of the Kushtia District Primary Teachers’ Association, Masudul Karim, stated, “Due to strong pressure from parents and instructions from the Upazila Education Officer, the exams had to be conducted. Parents are assisting in the process.”

District Primary Education Officer, M. Mofizul Islam, added, “With parents’ cooperation, the headteacher conducted the students’ exams at Lihini Government Primary School as the assistant teachers were on strike. Without parents’ help, taking the exams would have been impossible. Out of 805 primary schools in the district, 77 have teachers refusing to hold exams. A list of schools with striking teachers is being prepared.”

The striking teachers said that their complete shutdown and total strike would continue until ‘visible progress’ is made on the implementation of their three demands, including the 11th grade issue. They urged the government to meet their demands promptly.

Khaborwala/SS