Jahirul Patuakhali Correspondent: Teachers, students, and guardians of Abul Hossain Memorial Pre-Cadet School in Patuakhali have united to form a human chain and conducted a sit-in protest against the decision to exclude kindergarten students from participating in the primary scholarship exam.
On Saturday morning (August 2), the program took place on the school grounds, with participation from teachers, students, and parents.
During the protest, children displayed various placards with messages such as “We are also the future of Bangladesh – give us a chance,” “Save talent, not divide – we want scholarships for all,” and “Let the scholarship exam be open to everyone,” which were prominently visible.
Among the speakers were the school’s founder, Md. Masud Sikder, guardian Afroz Akter Rina, and artists Sarkar and Sathi Akter, along with students Md. Rifat and Rikta Akter.
They emphasized that the role of kindergartens in establishing the foundation of primary education in the country is irrefutable. However, the decision to exclude students from these institutions from national-level scholarship exams is unjust. They argue that this decision is not only discriminatory but also undermines the dreams and morale of the children.
The speakers pointed out that thousands of kindergarten students have participated in the scholarship test for many years, demonstrating their merit. Many families rely on this test for encouragement and support in their children’s educational journeys. If these students are suddenly excluded, it will limit competition and evaluation, restricting educational opportunities to a single class.
Parents raised concerns about the mental preparation and dedication of the students. They asserted that education should be accessible to all, regardless of whether it is in the government or private sector. Otherwise, inequality will emerge from the very beginning.
The students expressed their desire to regain their confidence and their fair rights. Many students said that they have been preparing for the scholarship exam for a long time. It would be a kind of injustice if their participation is stopped now.
The speakers demanded that the government keep the primary scholarship exam open to all students and urged the Ministry of Education to quickly reconsider the decision.
