HSC exams to continue despite adverse weather; DCs can act over safety risks

Highlights:

• HSC exams continue under existing nationwide schedule
• Chattogram Board exams suspended until 16 July
• Districts can act if safety risks emerge
• Education calendar disruption cited against nationwide suspension

The Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has said Higher Secondary Certificate and equivalent examinations will continue as scheduled despite adverse weather, although district administrations may take necessary decisions if natural disasters create serious safety risks or disrupt examinations in specific areas, according to a statement issued today (13 July).

This year's examinations are being held simultaneously under all education boards with common question papers. A total of 1.27 million candidates are sitting for the examinations at 2,697 centres nationwide.

The committee said examinations under the Chattogram Education Board have been postponed until 16 July due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall, which affected several examination centres and hindered students' travel.

Examinations under all other education boards are continuing as scheduled, as local administration reports indicate that most centres remain operational.

The statement noted that heavy rain caused transportation difficulties for candidates at several centres, including Cumilla Government Women's College yesterday morning. However, with support from local administrations, examination authorities and guardians, students reached their centres on time.

The committee warned that repeated postponements could delay result publication and disrupt university admissions and the academic calendar. It added that suspending examinations nationwide because of conditions affecting a single education board would not be practical.

Students have been advised to leave for examination centres well in advance, with the committee stressing that their safety remains the highest priority.