The persistent anti-government political programmes enforced by BNP and like-minded political parties have cast a shadow over academic activities in Dhaka and parts of Bangladesh. Many schools and colleges in the capital have remained open despite the blockades but students’ attendance has dropped remarkably. Many guardians are reluctant to send their children to schools and colleges, especially those who live far from the educational institutions. Additionally, educational institutions have been forced to postpone scheduled exams, compounding the stress and uncertainty over students' studies. Read: BNP’s like-minded parties announce fresh 48-hour blockade from Wednesday The latest bout of the political turmoil saw a nationwide hartal on October 29. After the end of a three-day blockade on October 31, a two-day blockade is currently underway on November 5 and 6. This ongoing situation has left students and parents in a state of panic, with fears of a more challenging political situation throughout November and December. The implications of this political unrest are most profound in divisional cities and district headquarters, including the capital. Talking to the UNB reporter, many parents said they are particularly concerned about the safety of their children during their commute to and from school in these challenging times. Almost all educational institutions in the capital, including Motijheel Ideal School and College, Banasree Ideal School and College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College Main Branch and Bashundhara Branch, Government Laboratory High School, Motijheel Government Girls High School, Rampura Ekramunnesa Girls' School, Rajuk Uttara Model School and College, and Banani Bidyaniketan, have reported a significant decrease in attendance. Read: Bus carrying passengers set on fire in Dhaka’s Gulistan Some English medium schools have been forced to close indefinitely, while others have resorted to holding classes online. Parents are increasingly concerned about the disparities between physical and online classes and are uncertain about the upcoming half-yearly exams. Sarwar Alam, a parent of a child studying at English medium school 'Play-Pen' located in Bashundhara, said, “We've shifted to online classes. However, there are noticeable disparities between physical classroom instruction and online learning. With the upcoming half-yearly exam scheduled for November 10, I am uncertain about how this examination will be carried out.” Ruhul Amin, a parent of a student at Ideal School and College, expressed the dilemma many parents are facing. “My two children study at Ideal School’s Banasree branch. I didn't allow my children to come to school during the previous phase of the hartal and blockade. They missed a week of school. Now it is happening again. Who knows how long this will last? That's why I brought my child to school again. But there is a sense of fear within us, wondering what will happen and when,” he said. The anxiety and concerns of parents are echoed by Abdul Majid Sujan,  general secretary of the guardians’ forum at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. “The children's annual examination is scheduled to be held this month. Meanwhile, the continuous strike and blockade are creating panic among parents. We are afraid and worried about sending the children to school, especially when it comes to traveling on the road,” Read: DMP chief announces Tk 20,000 reward for help with catching arsonists Director of the  Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Mohammad Belal Hossain, said that the annual evaluation of schools will start on November 9, with the goal of completing the examination by November 30. However, if the situation deteriorates, decisions will be made in consultation with higher authorities, he said. According to the previous schedule, the annual evaluation for class VI and VII students under the new curriculum was scheduled to begin on November 5 but has now been rescheduled to start on November 9. The impact of these disruptions extends beyond the capital, with divisional and district towns also experiencing low student turnout. In response to the evolving situation, schools have received revised schedules for examinations. Parents are left with no choice but to take risks and send their children to schools despite the uncertain circumstances.

Depression among students is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. The gravity of this problem magnifies the alarming rise in dropouts from colleges, study breaks, drug addictions, even suicidal attempts among students. As parents and educators, it is essential to be proactive in addressing this crisis through understanding, support, and guidance. Let’s take a look into how to prevent depression in students. Common Reasons for Depression among Students  Depression among students can be attributed to various factors, and understanding these reasons is the first step in prevention. Here are some common causes: - High expectations and academic stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness - Loneliness and a lack of social support can make students vulnerable to depression and suicidal thoughts - Bullying, whether in person or online, can devastate a student's mental health - Drug or alcohol abuse can exacerbate depression and increase the risk of suicide - Relationship problems can be a major source of stress and anxiety for students - Conflict with their parents, siblings, or friends can make them isolated and alone - Economic constraints and worries about the future can take a toll on a student's mental health - Traumatic events during childhood, like physical or emotional abuse or loss of a parent increase the risk of depression - Mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder can trigger depression - Having certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic is a reason for depression.  Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (November 28, 2022) asked parents to change their mindset that their children must get admission to the few schools that are famous in order to get good education. She said this while receiving the result summary of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for 2022 at the PMO in Dhaka. “There are only a handful of famous schools. Many of us think that there would be no dignity, while some think that their children would get no education unless they can study in those schools. This mentality needs to be changed,” she said. Reaed more: SSC Results 2022: Jashore Board’s pass rate 95.17%, highest in country Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni handed over the summary of SSC results and related statistics to the prime minister. Sheikh Hasina said many noted dignitaries, including highly knowledgeable persons, scientists, civil service officers and leaders in the country studied at district-level schools. Such schools should not be neglected, she added. “It is easy for the famous schools to show off good results as they deal with the brightest students,” she said. Reaed more: SSC Results 2022: 2.69 lakh students score GPA-5 She said that credit should go to those (teachers and schools) who can groom and develop mediocre students and ensure they earn the best possible results. “They should be given support and should be rewarded,” she said. The PM stressed the need for close monitoring so that students can get proper education in every school. This year, more than 20 lakh students took part in SSC and equivalent examinations under 11 boards, including madrasa (Dakhil) and Technical Education. Read More: SSC Results 2022: Girls slightly ahead of boys with 87.71% pass rate Of them, 15.99 lakh were from nine general education boards, 2.68 under the Madrasa Education Board, and 1.53 lakh under the Technical Education Board. 2022 SSC and equivalent examinations began across the country on September 15.

The High Court on Monday asked the authorities concerned to keep the two children of Japanese woman and a Bangladeshi man at the Tejgaon victim support centre in a good environment until August 31 amid a legal battle over their custody. The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order following a petition filed by the Japanese mother of the two children. The court also gives permission to the parents of the children to meet them at the Tejgaon victim support centre in a stipulated time. Also read: HC orders probe into death of a school student due to bullying On August 19, Nakano Eriko, a citizen of Japan, filed a petition with the High Court seeking its directives to return back her two daughters-- Jasmine Malika,11 and Laila Lina, 10---from their Bangladeshi father Sharif Imran. The court than asked the authorities concerned to produce the two children before the court on August 31. It also asked Imran not to leave the country with his daughters for next one month. On Sunday, a team of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) police took the two children under custody. On Monday, Advocate Fawzia Karim, a counsel of Imran drew the attention of the court about the custody. Advocate Mohammad Sishir Monir represents the Japanese woman. Also read: HC upholds death sentence to a couple for murdering a man in Jashore Advocate Monir, said “Eriko, a 46-year-old woman and a physician by profession, filed a petition seeking custody of her two children. Eriko and Imran tied the knot on July 11, 2008, according to the law of Japan. They used to live in Tokyo and the couple has been blessed with three daughters.” “Three daughters of the couple aged above, 11, 10, and seven are studying at a school in Tokyo. On January 18, this year, Imran appealed for the divorce and on January 21 he filed an appeal to the school authorities to take his one daughter but they refused following the objection of Eriko,” said Monir. Later, Imran picked his two daughters from school bus to a rented building and on February 21 and he returned to Bangladesh with his two daughters. On May 31 a court in Tokiyo handed over the custody of the two daughters to Eriko. On July 18 Eriko came to Bangladesh to meet her daughters.