Strike Sparks Parent Outcry: Annual Exams Suspended at Santhia Primary School

Parents in Santhia Upazila are expressing anger and frustration after the suspension of the annual examination at Dhulauri Government Primary School No. 15 due to an ongoing teachers' strike.

The school principal has been accused of failing to hold a key exam that was part of the annual assessment.

Primary teachers across the country have been protesting for various demands, including Grade 10 pay, with a new phase of agitation starting on November 27th. In continuation of this protest, the Science exam, which was scheduled for December 4th, was not held at several schools.

Concerned parents filed a complaint with the Santhia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Upazila Education Office on Sunday (December 7th), urging necessary action. A parent, Aliullah, noted his Grade 4 daughter went to school but the exam was not conducted. Ziaur Rahman complained that denying young children the exam was damaging their morale. Mirajul Islam lamented that his child's year-long preparation for the exam was now undermined.

The school's headmaster, Altab Hossain, stated that he wished to take the exam, but the assistant teachers locked the school rooms to continue their agitation, making it impossible to hold the examination.

Upazila Education Officer Hossain Mohammad Belal confirmed receiving the complaint letter and stated that legal action will be taken subject to investigation. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Riju Tamanna confirmed that the Upazila Education Officer has been tasked with investigating the matter. Action will be taken according to rules if evidence is found in the investigation.