SSC examinees faced hassles to reach centres on time on Thursday amid heightened security in the city because of verdict in BNP chief Khaleda Zia graft case.
Rickshaws and CNG-run autorickshaws demanded more-than-usual fares to transport the students to their destinations, according to some students and parents in Mirpur.
Tinni, a student of Monipur High School, reached her centre at Mirpur Adarsha High School after walking half the route and then boarding an autorickshaw.
“I couldn’t catch a bus. The teachers noted down roll numbers of those who reached centres after 9am,” she said.
She had to pay Tk 300 for the autorickshaw although roads were free of traffic.
Tinni’s mother Hafsa Begum expressed helplessness over the situation. “After all, it was her board exam. The number of vehicles was inadequate.”
Samiha Binte Bashir, a student of Motijheel Ideal School and College, reached her centre 10 minutes late.
“A rickshaw-puller charged Tk 100 for carrying us to Motijheel from Moghbazar. The usual rate is Tk 50,” said Abu Raihan, whose son ‘Shafi’ is taking the exams.
Similar accounts came from Ranu Begum whose child took the exams at Mirpur Girls’ Ideal Laboratory Institute. “The transport workers are holding us hostage.”
According to bdnews24 about five students entered their centre, Motijheel Government Boys High School, after 9:30am. They complained that they had to pass through tough security protocols in Segunbagicha and Motijheel.
Despite the rising tension, the students did not refrain from collecting leaked questions. They were found checking phones in groups outside their centre, Motijheel Government Boys High School.