All examinations scheduled for Sunday, November 23, at the renowned Viqarunnisa Noon School and College (VNSC) in the capital have been immediately suspended. The decision was announced in the late hours of Saturday, primarily citing widespread panic and anxiety among the community following a series of recent earthquakes.
The official notice confirming the postponement was issued around 12:45 AM on Sunday, bearing the signature of Acting Principal Majeda Begum.
Exams Halted Due to ‘Unavoidable Circumstances’
The circular stated that due to “unavoidable circumstances,” the scheduled annual examinations for classes I to IX, as well as the special quiz test for Class XI, would not be held on Sunday.
However, the notice clarified that the regular class schedule for the college section (Class XI and XII) would proceed as usual.
A senior teacher from the institution confirmed that the extraordinary measure was taken after urgent deliberations between the teaching staff and the governing body. The suspension directly addresses the considerable concern and distress voiced by students and their parents in the wake of the consecutive seismic activity.
Widespread Tremors Fuel Anxiety
The decision follows an unsettling period for Dhaka and its surrounding regions. The area experienced three distinct earthquake tremors throughout Saturday. Two nearly simultaneous jolts, registering magnitudes of 3.7 and 4.3 on the Richter scale, occurred around 6:06 PM. An earlier tremor, recorded at 10:36 AM, measured 3.3 magnitude. The epicenters for these quakes were located in various spots, including Badda and Narsingdi.
This recent activity amplified existing fears, which were already high following a devastating earthquake that struck the Narsingdi area on Friday morning. That severe seismic event caused nationwide alarm, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 10 people and leaving hundreds injured.
Responding promptly to the demands of guardians and prioritizing the psychological well-being of its students, the Viqarunnisa authorities moved swiftly to postpone the critical Sunday examinations.
