Students' interests are government's priority: Mahdi Amin

Based on discussions with various government departments and stakeholders, Mahdi Amin, Advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for his office, stated that centers across all education boards in the country, except for the Chattogram Board, are suitable for holding the HSC and equivalent examinations. He also emphasized that protecting the interests of students is the government's top priority.

The Prime Minister's advisor shared this in a Facebook post on Tuesday (July 14) night.

Mahdi Amin said, "The HSC and equivalent examinations-2026 are ongoing across the country. Amid adverse weather conditions, it is natural for students, parents, and well-wishers to have concerns and questions regarding why these exams are being held. The Ministry of Education has also thought deeply about this matter."

He added, "Considering all surrounding circumstances, and based on the feedback from all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, chairmen of education boards, as well as students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, the decision has been made to continue the ongoing HSC and equivalent examinations. Heavy rainfall caused temporary waterlogging, but it has been reported that the nationwide situation has improved significantly."

Mahdi Amin stated, "The examinees are like our own children. The government deeply realizes the importance of their future, dreams, and mental well-being. As a government elected by the people, it is our responsibility to ensure a safe environment for students to take their exams. While the government aims to prevent any suffering for the examinees, it is equally our duty to evaluate their long-term curriculum and mental preparation by completing the HSC and equivalent examinations successfully and on time. Protecting students' interests is the priority."

Noting that the Ministry of Education has been in constant communication with the Meteorological Department and every divisional, district, and upazila administration for the past few days, Mahdi Amin said, "Even this morning, discussions were held with divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and chairmen of all education boards. The unanimous opinion was that a favorable environment for conducting exams exists in all board areas across the country, except for the Chattogram Board. However, suffering for even a limited number of students is by no means desirable, and instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to take effective measures in such cases."

The Prime Minister's advisor further mentioned, "A total of 1,270,583 candidates are participating in the ongoing HSC and equivalent examinations across 2,697 centers nationwide. In the five districts under the Chattogram Education Board, which is worst hit by floods—Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari—examinations have already been suspended until July 16. Since favorable environments exist in other districts, the decision to continue the examinations was taken unanimously in consideration of the greater interest. Adequate preparations are in place across the country for adverse weather in the coming days, and decisions have been made to take student-friendly steps."

Mahdi Amin said, "At the same time, local administrations have been instructed that if issues arise due to commuting difficulties or waterlogging, they can make any necessary decisions, including changing centers, postponing exams, or extending exam durations. If any student fails to sit for the exam anywhere in the country due to adverse weather, they will be allowed to participate on the same day as the suspended exams of the Chattogram Board. Information was received regarding two errors in the Physics First Paper question paper. The decision to award full marks to everyone for that question reflects this student-friendly policy."

He continued, "Yesterday, photos of candidates being transported by boat at the Cumilla Government Women's College center caused quite a stir. Out of 193 centers under the Cumilla Education Board, 987 candidates at this single center faced temporary difficulties due to sudden waterlogging. Considering the situation, through a coordinated decision by the district administration, superintendent of police, city corporation, and the education board, the exam at that center was delayed by one hour, ensuring full exam time. Alongside this, administrative measures were taken to ensure students' participation through various initiatives, as seen in the discussed photo. While this unexpected situation at just one center is deeply regrettable, exams for almost all students across the remaining 192 centers of the Cumilla Board were completed successfully."

Stating that the HSC and equivalent examinations are being held across 2,697 centers nationwide, Mahdi Amin said, "Photos and videos of a handful of centers certainly do not represent the entire examination system. Running propaganda with fake or old photos and videos, or instigating others for political gain, goes against public aspirations. The innocent students are surely aware of this."

He added, "In the democratic values we hold, constructive and positive criticism must exist. Differences of opinion will also be there, but we must have consensus for the greater interest of the country. We believe that unity among all student-friendly people is necessary for the greater national interest because this country belongs to all of us. This education system belongs to all of us. These students will lead the future of Bangladesh. Cooperating with them and inspiring them is our collective responsibility."

Mahdi Amin said, "The current government is dedicated to running the country through a strong commitment and unremitting responsibility towards students. Under the direction of the Prime Minister, we respect the aspirations and demands of the vast majority of the people. It is true that many students faced hardships while giving exams amidst natural disasters; it is equally true that a huge number of students managed to participate in the exams smoothly. While it is true that severe suffering occurred at a few centers, it is also true that students in a large part of the country faced no floods, waterlogging, or distress."

The Prime Minister's advisor concluded, "HSC examinees are the architects of building the future nation. The Prime Minister is always committed to utilizing the opportunities and potential of the youth and students. Therefore, leaving behind all doubts and instability, and placing full confidence in their own merit and capability, the primary focus of all examinees in the country should be to concentrate on their studies and achieve the highest results. This exam is not just a fight to achieve a certificate, but a crucial step toward reaching their goals and moving the nation forward."

He further added, "It is our collective responsibility to maintain an environment where students do not panic and their self-confidence is not harmed in any way. In the coming days, students will participate beautifully and smoothly in the exams, and their success will ensure the prosperity of Bangladesh, Inshallah."