Why HSC candidates are demanding education minister’s resignation

Students from different educational institutions taking this year’s HSC and equivalent exams blocked roads in Dhaka and at least four other districts including Chattogram today (14 July), demanding the resignation of Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon within 24 hours.

They also demanded the suspension of HSC examinations until adverse weather conditions fully improve and re-examinations for candidates who missed the 13 July exams because of the weather. 

The protests stem from the government’s decision to continue HSC and equivalent examinations despite widespread flooding, heavy rainfall and waterlogging in several parts of the country. 

Students alleged that the education ministry has ignored repeated calls to postpone the examinations, putting candidates at risk and causing significant hardship.

Three demands

Suspend HSC examinations until conditions improve

Students want all HSC and equivalent examinations to remain suspended until the weather situation returns to normal. 

They argued that many candidates have struggled to reach examination centres safely because of flooded roads, transport disruptions and adverse weather.

Allow retake for affected candidates

Students also demanded another opportunity for candidates who could not sit for the 13 July examination due to weather-related disruptions. 

They said many examinees failed to arrive at their centres on time, while some were involved in accidents on the way.

Education minister’s resignation

Protesters demanded the education minister resign within 24 hours, alleging that he has failed to take timely action despite widespread appeals from students, parents and other stakeholders to postpone the examinations. 

They argued that the decision to proceed with the exams during the ongoing weather crisis endangered students and ignored their concerns.

The protests were announced yesterday by the social media-based platform “Shikkharthi Oikya,” which called for demonstrations in Dhaka and in front of several education boards across the country.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has suspended HSC and equivalent examinations until 16 July in five flood-affected districts, including Chattogram. 

However, examinations under the remaining education boards are continuing as scheduled. 

The committee said a nationwide suspension could delay result publication, university admissions and the academic calendar, noting that the unified question paper system makes it difficult to halt examinations in all boards over disruptions in only a few regions.