A concerning trend of zero pass rates in this year’s HSC exams has been observed in numerous colleges. A significant increase from 65 to 202 institutions reported zero pass rates, with the Dinajpur board having the highest number at 43, followed by Rajshahi (35), Dhaka (34), Mymensingh (15), and lower figures in Cumilla, Sylhet, and Barishal. Furthermore, all students in 37 technical institutions and 22 madrasas failed the exams. Notably, a college with only two students saw both failing, raising doubts about its functionality.
It has been revealed that some colleges do not hold classes and are only identified during result announcements, highlighting the poor regulation within the sector. The shortage of teachers is a significant factor contributing to this issue. For instance, at Narayanganj’s Naba Kisholoy High School and Girls’ College, where all 25 students failed, there was a lack of English and ICT teachers. Similarly, Trishal Ideal College in Mymensingh faces challenges due to a shortage of full-time teachers, leading to reliance on part-timers.
The absence of government support for non-MPO institutions, including the 43 zero-pass colleges in Dinajpur and 15 in Mymensingh, poses additional hurdles. Such colleges struggle with irregular tuition fees, making it hard to retain qualified teachers and conduct academic activities effectively. Moreover, the prevalence of child marriage in rural and low-income areas exacerbates the situation, as seen in Narayanganj’s Naba Kisholoy college, where 13 out of 25 examinees were married during the academic year.
Urgent action is needed to address these challenges. Resolving the teacher crisis, ensuring timely salary payments, and enhancing supervision and support from education boards are crucial steps. With the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee requesting reports on these institutions, it is hoped that meaningful actions will be taken to tackle the underlying issues causing this worrying scenario.