Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the authorities concerned to give special attention to the academic activities at their educational institutions.

“Our students are talented. We're providing them with all kinds of facilities. Why can't they pass the exams? I think special attention will have to be given to all the institutions whether they are running the academic activities properly,” she said.

The premier made the remarks while inaugurating the distribution of free textbooks and receiving the results of this year's Primary Education Completion (PEC), Ebtedayee, Junior School Certificate (JSC), Junior Dakhil Certificate (JDC) and equivalent exams at the Gono Bhaban.

She opened the free textbook distribution programme by handing over books to primary and secondary level students.

Hasina directed the authorities concerned to formulate curricula for the students keeping pace with the modern world.

The PM said her government has been doing everything necessary for creating an educated generation to take the country towards the desired goal.

Terming education an asset, Hasina advised the students to develop themselves as well-educated citizens.

The PM expressed satisfaction at the pass rates of the PEC and Ebtedayee exams. She said students regained their confidence through appearing in the exams, which is very essential.

Returning to power in 1996, the Awami League government had taken a programme to make every district free from illiteracy, but the programme fell flat when the BNP-Jamaat government came to power in 2001, she told the programme.

“We had increased the literacy rate to 65.5 percent from 45 percent in five years, but the rate dipped again. We got an award from Unesco for enhancing the literacy rate....

“After forming the government following the 2008 election, we took initiatives again. So, the literacy rate now stands at 72 percent according to official statistics. Actually, the rate is even higher,” she said.

Hasina said the dropout rate has declined and students were becoming attentive to their studies due to the government's steps.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid handed over the results of JSC and JDC exams to the PM, while Primary and Mass Education Minister Mustafizur Rahman handed over the PEC and Ebtedayee results.

The chairmen of eight general, madrasa and technical education boards handed over the JSC and JDC exam results of their respective boards to the premier.