'No intention to resign. It's a matter for govt to consider': Edu adviser on students' demand

Education Adviser CR Abrar has stated that he has no intention to resign voluntarily in light of students' demand.

Students have been demanding his resignation, citing the late rescheduling of HSC exams and the alleged lack of transparency about casualties from Monday's plane crash at Milestone School and College.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat today (23 July), Abrar said any decision regarding his resignation is a matter for the government to consider. "I have fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to me. There has been no mismanagement. Everything is being done in accordance with the established rules and regulations."

Regarding the recent withdrawal of education secretary Siddique Zobair in the face of protests, the adviser said Zobair has been removed as per a relevant committee's decision. "I was not involved in this process. I cannot answer why he was removed. But, I don't have any intention on my own [of stepping down]. I don't think there has been any disruption to my responsibilities."

Asked about whether the ministry regretted the delayed announcement of two HSC exams suspensions, the adviser said, "If the students and their guardians feel that they are suffering [due to the delayed announcement], I believe they will alter their perspective."

Responding to a query that his ministry neither extended any formal condolences nor formed any investigation committee regarding the Milestone tragedy, the adviser said, "The ministry is a part of the state. "When the Chief Adviser offers condolences, it reflects that he is representing all ministries of the state."

The duty of establishing an investigation committee falls under the jurisdiction of the government, he further said.

Addressing the issue of the delayed announcement of the suspending of two HSC exams, he said, "This was a decision that could not be taken hastily. No one has the authority to take it unilaterally.

"The exam has been postponed following due process."

The advisor stated that normalcy was restored after the tense circumstances surrounding the six-point demand put forth by Milestone School and College.

Earlier, on Tuesday, at least 75 people were injured as clashes broke out between law enforcers and protesters demonstrating at the Secretariat, demanding CR Abrar's resignation.

The protest followed Monday's crash of a Bangladesh Air Force fighter aircraft at Milestone School and College in Uttara that left at least 29 dead and dozens injured.

Anger mounted over the education authorities' late-night notice regarding changes in the HSC exam schedule.

However, the two HSC and equivalent examinations which were postponed following the plane crash will be held on the same day, said the education adviser.

The postponed examinations, originally scheduled for 22 and 24 July, will be held the same day— the 22 July exam in the morning and the 24 July exam in the afternoon, he said.

However, the exact date for these rescheduled exams has not yet been finalised, he added.