Bangladesh exam protesters drop resignation demand, present new list

A group of protesting Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees in Bangladesh has withdrawn their demand for the Education Minister's resignation. Instead, they presented the government with a fresh set of six demands focused on reforming the examination system to reduce student pressure.

The students, who were protesting outside Shikkha Bhaban in Dhaka, stated, "We do not want the education minister to resign. We want him to accept our six demands and reform the education system without putting any pressure on students." Their demands include offering optional retests for candidates who took exams during adverse weather conditions, allowing them to keep the higher score. They also called for full marks to be awarded for any errors found in question papers.

Further demands include a brief suspension of ongoing examinations to allow students to recover from uncertainty and mental pressure. The protesters emphasized the need for fair marking, citing concerns that a sudden change in question paper patterns left many candidates unfamiliar with the format. They also requested that invigilators maintain a calm and supportive environment, refraining from intimidating behavior.

The students stressed that their movement is peaceful and unaffiliated with any political party. They condemned Tuesday's police baton charge on protesters outside the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and demanded an apology. The demonstrations began after heavy rain and waterlogging caused severe disruptions during the July 13 examinations. Errors in two Physics First Paper questions and remarks perceived as demeaning by protesters further intensified the demonstrations.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon had previously apologized in parliament and assured candidates would receive full marks for the erroneous questions. He also announced that candidates who missed exams due to unavoidable reasons would be allowed to sit postponed examinations.

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We do not want the education minister to resign. We want him to accept our six demands and reform the education system without putting any pressure on students