The government has cancelled the Primary Education Completion (PEC) and its equivalent examinations for this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of the PEC, final examination will be held at schools, said State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossain on Tuesday afternoon.

The State Minister Zakir Hossain briefed the media after getting approval from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  

Primary and Mass Education Senior Secretary Md Akram Al-Hossain was also present at the briefing.

Earlier on August 19, the ministry sent a summery in this regard to Prime Minister’s Office.

Around 29 lakh students were supposed to sit for PEC and its equivalent examinations this year.

Meanwhile, decision on reopening the academic institutions of the country is still on hold. 

On August 24, the government gave permission to qawmi madrasas for arranging examinations equivalent to degree and masters level on condition of following the health guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.

However, academic activities of the madrasas will remain suspended.

On August 20, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni said the government would consider reopening all educational institutions of the country as soon as the coronavirus pandemic situation improves.

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations will be held within 15 days after the resumption of the institutions, she said.

Following the detection of first coronavirus patient in the country on March 8, all education institutions were declared shut from March 17. The closure was extended till August 31 in several phases.

Many educational institutions are currently conducting classes online and through television broadcast.

BDST: 1630 HRS, AUG 25, 2020

AP