Announcement comes as students protest nationwide over tests held amid rain and waterlogging
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today apologised for his earlier remarks and said the Physics First Paper, Accounting First Paper and Logic First Paper tests of the ongoing HSC exams, held on Monday, may be retaken.
The minister made the announcement in the parliament as HSC examinees demonstrated in Dhaka, Savar, Barishal, Cumilla, Narayanganj, Jashore, Bogura, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Tangail, demanding his resignation over the decision to continue board examinations despite persistent rain and waterlogging.
Explaining the government’s position, he said heavy rainfall had disrupted Monday’s examinations and prevented many students from properly sitting for the tests.
“Complaints have been raised about this. Although we were observing the situation, students have still made demands regarding the exam. Already, due to flooding, we have suspended exams in every district under the Chittagong Board, and we can retake the exams held on Monday,” he said.
The minister added that when the education board conducts the exams with another set of question papers, a retake of Monday’s exams can also be arranged.
Responding to criticism over his personal remarks, the education minister said, “I did not intend to target anyone. If anyone has been hurt, I sincerely apologise.”
Protesting HSC examinees return to parliament area hours after police dispersal
Protesting HSC examinees again gathered in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Manik Mia Avenue on Tuesday night, hours after police dispersed them from the area.
The renewed protest disrupted vehicular movement on the road — between Asad Gate and Khamarbari area — Dhaka Metropolitan Police DC (Traffic-Tejgaon Division) Rafiqul Islam told The Daily Star.
“Protesting students have gathered again on Manik Mia Avenue at around 8:30pm, stopping vehicular movement. We have arranged alternative routes to minimise public suffering,” the police official added.
Police had baton-charged protesting HSC examinees who gathered in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban earlier this evening, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon.
The incident occurred around 6:30pm when protesters staged a demonstration outside the parliament complex. Police repeatedly asked them to leave, but the students refused.
A scuffle broke out and law enforcers dispersed the crowd with baton charges.
Earlier in the afternoon, students blocked the Science Lab intersection, reiterating their demand for the education minister’s resignation.
The demonstrators have been opposing the government’s decision to hold the HSC and equivalent examinations despite severe flooding and waterlogging in different parts of the country, as well as alleged errors in question papers.
They also criticised remarks reportedly made by the minister regarding examinees.
Protesting students accused the government of ignoring the sufferings of examinees affected by floods and heavy rainfall, vowing to continue their movement until their demands are met.
When contacted, Inspector (Investigation) Azizur Rahaman of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station denied that police used batons to disperse the protesting students.
“The students came here with a few demands. After a while, they left the area on their own,” he said.
