Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidates protesting over three key demands, including the resignation of the Education Minister, have intensified their movement by surrounding the Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board after earlier staging a road blockade at the Science Laboratory intersection in the capital.
The protesters gathered outside the Education Board headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, where they held demonstrations and chanted slogans in support of their demands. The latest action marked a significant escalation in a protest movement that has spread across several parts of Bangladesh following widespread dissatisfaction with the ongoing HSC examinations.
The unrest stems from multiple grievances raised by students. Many candidates have criticised the decision to continue examinations despite persistent heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging in several areas, arguing that adverse weather conditions made it difficult and, in some cases, unsafe for examinees to reach their examination centres. They have also expressed anger over alleged errors in the Physics examination paper and concerns about the overall quality and fairness of the questions.
The protests were not confined to Dhaka. On Tuesday, students organised demonstrations, rallies and road blockades in various parts of the country, including Chattogram, demanding immediate action from the authorities. The demonstrations continued throughout the day before a group of students announced fresh programmes late in the evening.
As part of their renewed campaign, the protesters warned that if the examination scheduled for Wednesday was not postponed, they would launch a “Long March to the Ministry of Education” beginning at 3:00 pm. The announcement reflected growing frustration among candidates who believe their concerns have not been adequately addressed by the education authorities.
On Wednesday afternoon, another group of students gathered outside the BNS Centre in Uttara, one of the key assembly points in the capital. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Uttara Division Deputy Commissioner Tarek Ahmed Beg, students began assembling there shortly after 1:00 pm. Security personnel closely monitored the situation as authorities sought to prevent any disruption to public order.
The protesters have put forward three principal demands, the most prominent being the resignation of Education Minister A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milon. They accuse the minister of making remarks that they consider offensive and disrespectful towards students. Protesters argue that such comments have deepened public anger at a time when candidates are already under considerable academic and psychological pressure.
In response to the mounting criticism, the Education Minister addressed Parliament on Tuesday and expressed regret over his remarks concerning the students. While the apology was acknowledged by some observers, it has so far failed to satisfy many of the protesting candidates, who continue to insist on the fulfilment of their demands.
The demonstrations have highlighted broader concerns over examination management, communication between education authorities and students, and the handling of unexpected challenges such as extreme weather. As the movement continues, attention remains focused on whether the government and education authorities will engage with student representatives or introduce measures to ease tensions and ensure the smooth continuation of this year’s HSC examinations.
