Students who fail public examinations in Bangladesh will not be allowed to sit for the same exam more than twice, Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon said on Saturday. The announcement came during a meeting in Rajshahi ahead of the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations.
The minister made the remarks at an exchange meeting with centre secretaries of the Rajshahi Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board. The event took place at the auditorium of Rajshahi Medical College on April 11.
He said the current system allows students to take exams many times after failing. This, he added, has raised concerns about its effectiveness. “A student may fail once or twice, even more, but the practice of giving repeated chances must stop,” he said.
According to the minister, the focus should not be only on helping students pass. Instead, the education system should aim to improve overall quality. He questioned whether repeated exam opportunities serve the long-term goals of education.
He also raised concerns about the way question papers are prepared. The minister noted that many versions of question papers are now used. He said this approach may help prevent leaks but could also affect learning quality. “We must think if this system is helping students learn better,” he said.
The minister criticised the role of education boards as well. He said the boards operate as autonomous bodies and earn enough revenue. However, he claimed that they are not providing the expected services. “They have no shortage of funds, yet service delivery remains weak,” he said.
He warned that legal changes could be made if officials fail to perform their duties. “No one is outside the government. If needed, laws can be changed,” he added.
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On the issue of question paper leaks, the minister said authorities are taking the matter seriously. He said steps are in place to detect and prevent leaks, including those involving digital methods. “We will identify those responsible and bring them under the law,” he said.
He also said that laws are not only for students but for officials as well. He stressed that accountability must apply to everyone involved in the examination process.
The meeting was chaired by Rajshahi Education Board Chairman A N M Mofakkharul Islam. Several local officials and public representatives attended the event.
The new limit on exam attempts is expected to affect future SSC and HSC candidates. Officials may soon provide details on how the rule will be applied.
