Government cites nationwide assessment and student welfare in keeping examinations underway outside flood-hit areas
Education Adviser Explains Decision to Continue HSC Exams Despite Floods
Education Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin has explained why the government decided to continue Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations across most parts of Bangladesh despite heavy rainfall, flooding and waterlogging. He said the decision followed consultations with administrative authorities, education boards and other stakeholders, with students' interests given top priority.
The government has decided to continue the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations across most parts of Bangladesh despite heavy rainfall, flooding and waterlogging, following consultations with administrative authorities, education boards and other stakeholders.
Tuesday, 14 July, in a post published on his verified Facebook page, Education and Primary Education Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin said the Ministry of Education had been maintaining continuous communication with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department as well as divisional, district and upazila administrations to assess the evolving situation.
He said a meeting involving divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, police superintendents and chairpersons of all education boards concluded that examination conditions remain suitable across the country, except in areas under the Chattogram Education Board.
According to the adviser, 1,270,583 students are taking part in the HSC and equivalent examinations at 2,697 examination centres nationwide. Examinations have been suspended until 16 July in the five districts under the Chattogram Education Board—Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari—due to severe flooding.
Dr. Amin said the government considers students' future, mental well-being and academic preparation as top priorities. He added that ensuring timely completion of examinations while maintaining a safe environment is also an important responsibility.
He announced that local administrations have been authorised to change examination centres, extend examination time or postpone examinations if local weather conditions deteriorate. Students who miss an examination because of adverse weather will be allowed to sit for it on the same day as the rescheduled examinations under the Chattogram Education Board.
Referring to errors in two questions of the HSC Physics First Paper examination, he said all candidates would receive full marks for those questions.
The adviser also cited the widely discussed incident at Cumilla Government Women's College examination centre, where 987 candidates were affected by sudden waterlogging. He said local authorities postponed the examination by one hour and arranged transportation, including boats, ensuring that candidates received the full examination time.
He urged the public not to spread misinformation by using isolated or outdated images and videos, noting that a few affected centres do not represent the overall national examination process.
Dr. Amin said constructive criticism is welcome in a democratic society, but cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to ensure a positive environment for students. He expressed hope that the remaining examinations would be completed smoothly and that students would focus on achieving their academic goals.
//DBTech/DMO/ED//
