Digital Device Ban Tightened Under Updated Public Examinations Law

To prevent the use of all types of digital devices in the upcoming SSC and equivalent public examinations, the Public Examinations Act of 1980 is being updated and made more stringent. Individuals involved in evaluating answer scripts from the beginning to the end of the examination process will also be brought under the scope of the evaluation law.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan disclosed this on Monday, 6 April, at an awareness and consultation meeting with stakeholders held at the Tarek Smriti Auditorium of Mymensingh Town Hall, in the education hub of Mymensingh, aimed at ensuring a cheating-free examination system.

After stepping down from the stage, the minister interacted with attending teachers, seeking their suggestions and emphasizing in his remarks that he believes teachers themselves can prevent cheating. “I have come to observe the environment to improve the quality of education. I will take necessary measures after assessing on the ground where schools are needed and where they are not,” he said.

He further stated that the installation of CCTV cameras would enable remote monitoring of examination activities. These recordings will be archived, allowing authorities to identify any irregularities. He added that institutions lacking the financial capacity to install CCTV cameras would receive assistance of around Tk 50,000, subject to board approval.

At the meeting, the education minister also stressed the importance of technical education instead of increasing unemployment by chasing the “golden deer” of BCS through higher education. He also mentioned the initiative to introduce BNCC units in madrasas.

Commenting that he does not want to see a “hailstorm of GPA A+,” the minister noted that if there is an excessive number of high GPAs or an increased failure rate, examiners would also be brought under evaluation.

He said that the Ministry of Education is working to build the Bangladesh of the future.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah, Chairman of the Mymensingh Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board.

The meeting was chaired by Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner Farah Shammir, with Members of Parliament from various constituencies of the division in attendance.

DBTech/IH/MUIM/OR