HSC Protesters Gather Ahead of Education Ministry March

A fresh wave of protests by Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidates gathered momentum in the capital on Wednesday as groups of students assembled in front of the BNS Centre in Uttara, signalling the continuation of a nationwide movement over the ongoing public examinations.

Students began arriving at the location shortly after 1:00 pm, gradually increasing their presence in the area. The gathering was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of the Uttara Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Tarek Ahmed Beg, who said law enforcement agencies were monitoring the situation closely.

The latest demonstration follows several days of mounting frustration among HSC candidates over the conduct of this year’s examinations. Students have voiced strong objections to examination schedules proceeding despite persistent heavy rainfall, widespread waterlogging in several parts of the country and difficult travel conditions. Many candidates claim they struggled to reach their examination centres on time, while others faced significant hardship because of the adverse weather.

Alongside concerns over logistical difficulties, students have also criticised alleged mistakes in the Physics examination paper and questioned the overall standard and quality of the questions. Protesters argue that such issues have undermined confidence in the examination process and created unnecessary anxiety among candidates already coping with challenging circumstances.

The unrest has spread beyond the capital. On Tuesday, students staged demonstrations, human chains, rallies and road blockades in Dhaka, Chattogram and several other districts, demanding prompt action to address examination-related grievances. Demonstrations continued into the evening in different parts of Dhaka, reflecting the growing scale of the movement.

At around 9:45 pm on Tuesday, organisers of the protests announced a new programme before concluding the day’s demonstrations. They declared that if the scheduled examinations were not postponed, they would begin a “Long March to the Ministry of Education” from 3:00 pm on Wednesday. Following that announcement, student activity increased across several parts of the capital, with the gathering outside the BNS Centre widely viewed as part of the preparations for the planned march.

The protesting students have placed three key demands before the authorities. One of their principal demands is the resignation of Education Adviser A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon, alleging that he made remarks about students that they consider offensive. They are also calling for an acceptable resolution to the problems surrounding the HSC examinations and immediate action to address the concerns raised by candidates regarding question quality, examination management and the impact of severe weather on the assessment process.

The controversy intensified after comments made by the Education Adviser drew criticism from sections of the student community. Responding to the growing backlash, he expressed regret during Tuesday’s sitting of the Jatiya Sangsad. While acknowledging the apology, many protesters insist that expressions of regret alone are insufficient. They argue that tangible measures are needed to restore confidence in the examination system and ensure fairness for all candidates.

Security personnel remain deployed around the BNS Centre and surrounding areas to maintain public order and monitor developments. As of Wednesday afternoon, no major incidents had been reported. Authorities continue to observe the evolving situation closely as attention turns to the protesters’ planned march and any subsequent response from the government and education administration.

The unfolding developments are expected to play a significant role in determining how the dispute progresses. Whether officials engage with student representatives, introduce measures to address the examination concerns or maintain the existing schedule is likely to shape both the immediate protests and wider public confidence in the examination process.