Protesting HSC Candidates Lay Siege to Parliament over Exam Demands

Hundreds of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees gathered outside the main gates of the National Parliament on Tuesday evening, launching a fierce demonstration. The students have put forward a three-point demand, which includes the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haq Milan. They are also demanding a public apology from the minister for his controversial statements and a complete rescheduling of the ongoing board examinations.

The day of unrest began unfolding earlier in the afternoon. At around quarter to four, a large group of students staged a sit-in at the busy Science Laboratory intersection. This sudden blockade completely halted the flow of traffic on Mirpur Road, triggering severe gridlocks across surrounding neighbourhoods, including Dhanmondi, Azimpur, and Nilkhet. Commuters faced immense suffering, with many forced to abandon public transport and walk to their destinations.

While occupying the Science Lab crossing at around five o’clock, the demonstrators formally announced their ultimatum. Md Miraj Hossain, an HSC candidate from Dhaka City College, spoke on behalf of the protesting students. He stated that the Education Minister must step down by six o’clock that evening and offer an unconditional apology to the nation for what the students termed inconsistent and insensitive remarks regarding their academic challenges.

The student representative also outlined specific academic grievances related to recent weather disruptions. Protesters argued that the torrential rainfall and subsequent waterlogging on 13 July had severely disadvantaged candidates. Many students struggled through flooded streets to reach their designated test centres, whilst others were unable to attend entirely. Consequently, the students are demanding a cancellation and re-examination of the papers held on that day. They have also called for the postponement of subsequent exams, the publication of a student-friendly revised timetable, and a fairer standard of question papers.

Following the declaration, the student procession marched from the Science Lab intersection towards the parliament building at around a quarter past five. By six o’clock, the crowd reached the main gates of the parliament complex, where they sat on the road and continued chanting slogans. Despite the prolonged nature of the protest, student coordinators expressed deep frustration, noting that no government official or representative from the education ministry had approached them for talks. Security has been heightened around the parliament area as law enforcement personnel monitor the ongoing situation.