A group of students, whose names were not on the first merit list published by the education ministry, demonstrated before the Dhaka Education Board yesterday demanding that the government ensure their admission into colleges.

Around 100 aspirants and their parents gathered before the office of the board at Bakshi Bazar. They were worried as they did not find their names on the list.

"I gave names of five colleges of my choice, but my name was not on the list. I obtained GPA-5 in the SSC examination," said Shimul of Mohammadpur, adding, "Names of two of my friends were on the list."    

"I want my daughter to get the opportunity to study at the college of her choice as she did well in all her examinations," said an upset father.

After a delay of four days due to a technical glitch, the education ministry early Monday published the first merit list with names of over 10.93 lakh students for admission into class XI at different colleges.  

In the first list, the ministry did not nominate over 62,000 students for any college. Some of those students demonstrated yesterday. Besides, some students complained of errors in the names.

The officials assured them of solving their problems, and said a second merit list would be published soon.

However, students and guardians were still worried as there are only a limited number of seats in popular colleges sought by most students.  

LEGAL NOTICE

A Supreme Court lawyer yesterday served a legal notice to the authorities asking them to cancel, in 24 hours, names of 42 candidates that were sent to Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Bangla version for admission into class XI.

Eunus Ali Akond served the notice claiming that the authorities concerned of the government and Dhaka Education Board sent the names illegally as the 42 candidates passed SSC from institutions other than Viqarunnisa.  

He said there was no advertisement or seat for admission of students from other institutions.Eunus sent the notice to education secretary, chairman of secondary and higher secondary education board, principal of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College and chairman of its governing body.

He added he would file a writ petition with the High Court for necessary orders on them if they do not cancel the names in 24 hours.