In a late-night development, the government has officially called off all HSC examinations scheduled for July 22, following widespread public outrage over the decision to continue exams amid national mourning.
The update came through a Facebook post by Mahfuj Alam, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He confirmed that the Education Adviser has made the decision after a meeting between the two ministries.
“The Hon’ble Adviser on Education has decided to postpone tomorrow’s HSC exams following discussions with the Adviser of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,” wrote Mahfuj Alam.
The now-postponed exams included Chemistry (Theoretical) 2nd Paper, Islamic History and Culture 2nd Paper, History 2nd Paper, Economics 2nd Paper, Home Management and Family Life 2nd Paper, and Production Management and Marketing 2nd Paper.
This reversal follows intense criticism from students, parents, teachers, and civil society members after the government initially announced that the July 22 exams would proceed despite declaring the day as National Mourning Day.
Many students of Milestone School and College—where the Bangladesh Air Force jet crash occurred on Monday—were due to take the exam while mourning the loss of classmates, friends, and teachers. At least 20 people died in the crash, and over 170 were injured, many of them students.
Social media had erupted in protest throughout the day, with thousands demanding the exams be postponed, calling the initial decision “cruel” and “disconnected from reality.”
Tonight’s decision has been met with relief, though many questioned why it took such public pressure for the authorities to act with compassion.
The Education Ministry is expected to issue a formal circular with new dates.
