The pass rate (in public exams) has dropped by 5 percent as compared to the last year due to political violence in the country, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid told Parliament on Thursday. He also mentioned that examinations in 33 subjects of Higher Secondary examination had to be rescheduled due to “violent programmes of BNP-Jamaat like hartal, ransack and arson.” The Education Minister came up with the information while replying to a starred question of Sadhana Haldar (Women Seat 32). The question was not tabled due to the absence of Haldar. Responding to another scripted question of ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan (Laxmipur-4), Nahid said each private university has been asked to form committees and install Close Circuit Camera to control use of illegal drugs. He said the committees are giving directives to refrain students from taking drugs through counseling. Meanwhile, State Minister for Social Affairs Promode Mankin expressed his hope that the senior citizens of the country above 60 will be able to avail of special facilities once the policy is passed in Parliament. Responding to a supplementary question of AN Mahfuza Khatun Baby Moudud (Women Seat-50), he said those exceeding 60 years are considered senior citizens and the government will take steps so that they can avail various facilities such as transport and travel. – UNB
