Protesters Besiege Rajshahi Education Board Demanding Minister's Resignation

Demanding the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, the postponement of ongoing HSC exams due to hostile weather, and correction of question paper errors, a large group of protesting students besieged the Rajshahi Education Board office today, Tuesday (July 14). The demonstrators staged a sit-in directly in front of the Board Chairman’s office, chanting slogans before a student delegation formally met with the Board Chairman and Secretary to place their demands.

The protesting candidates alleged that forcing them to sit for the exams amid severe countrywide flooding and waterlogging has subjected thousands of students to extreme physical and mental distress. They reported that many had to sit for their exams in completely drenched clothes, while others missed their exams entirely due to waterlogged roads and severe disruptions in public transport. The students demanded that examinations across all boards be suspended immediately—similar to the decision taken for the Chittagong Education Board—and rescheduled only after the national situation returns to normal.

The students also pointed out critical technical discrepancies in the current examinations, complaining that multiple question papers contained errors. They highlighted that the Physics First Paper included direct errors, which severely disadvantaged candidates. The protesters also slammed the overall standard of the questions, arguing that the evaluations should remain student-friendly and align with the year-long syllabus rather than mimicking highly competitive university admission tests.

Furthermore, the demonstrating students strongly opposed political influence within the academic administration. They criticized the education ministry for implementing new question paper structures and evaluation formats without prior consultation with students, emphasizing that the government should focus on developing the overall standard of education instead of merely experimenting with exam patterns.

The student movement has centered on three primary demands: the resignation of Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, the immediate suspension of the remaining HSC exams due to severe weather, and administrative action against those responsible for the errors in the question papers. Additionally, they demanded a realistic and fair alternative evaluation for candidates who failed to attend the July 13 exam due to adverse weather conditions.

After hours of demonstrations, a small delegation of students was allowed inside the Board Chairman's office to initiate discussions. Board officials listened as the students reiterated their concerns regarding the flood situation, structural question paper errors, and the demand for student-friendly policies. The protesters asserted that their movement would continue across the region until their core demands are fully met.