PM defends holding of PEC, JSC exams
Parliament: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday criticised the judiciary for 'wasting' its time with 'silly' matters keeping aside various major cases.
"There're tens of thousands of cases pending with courts in the country. Even a writ is filed with the court regarding the examination (PEC) of children. Courts also passes time with it, though there're many emergency cases like the arrest of terrorists and JMB men ...there's also hearing of capital punishment remains pending...there's no time for those. Why is the court passing time with these silly matters," she said.
The prime minister said this following a question of legitimacy for holding examinations like PEC and JSC raised by Jatiya Party MP Kazi Firoz Rashid standing on point of order.
He said such examinations go against the constitution of the country and these are illegal.
The prime minister said there are some people in the country whose only job is to file writ petitions with the court and discuss on the matter.
"Aren't the students became attentive to their study due to the examinations held in class five and eight. Isn't the pass rate increasing in the HSC?" she questioned.
She mentioned it would be a matter of great regret if the court passes the judgment to stop these examinations. "I don't know what judgment the court will deliver? If the court gives verdict to stop the study of students it'll be nothing but a matter of great regret."
Regarding the introduction of PEC and JSC examinations, the prime minister said she herself did that. "I've done it considering the wellbeing of children."
Sheikh Hasina said before introducing of these examinations the school authorities used to sort out some students from a class to appear for scholarship examinations and arranged coaching for those selected students only. "With the introduction of the PEC and JSC examinations, school authorities are now paying attention to all students."
Briefly describing various steps of the government for the upgradation of country's education system, she said the government has already introduced PM's Education Assistance Trust Fund for higher education. "With this fund, the government provides stipend to even PhD students."
Sheikh Hasina feared that one day someone will lodge a writ petition with the court why this stipend is giving. "You cannot predict anything."
Talking about coaching, she said this is not related with the PEC and JSC examinations. "Coaching is a different issue," she said.
Earlier, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said the PEC and JSC examinations are not illegal at all. These are held in line with the National Education Policy 2010 which was approved by Parliament.