In response, Ehsanul Haq Milan pointed out that the examinations are conducted simultaneously across the country. There are around 2,700 HSC exam centers and the exams begin simultaneously in all 64 districts. Following the Chattogram floods, examinations were successively postponed in Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari and then the entire Chittagong board.
He said that the weather conditions were regularly monitored by contacting the Superintendents of Police of all 64 districts, Divisional Commissioners of eight divisions and chairpersons of each education board as well as coordinating with the Meteorological Department. They were told that it would not rain now. The decisions were taken after observing the situation till 5 pm and all the concerned parties said that the weather will be fine, due to which the examinations will continue.
The Education Minister said that after seeing the rain in the morning, he himself took action.
He said, “Waking up in the morning, I saw that the grounds of Cumilla Government Women’s College were submerged. Immediately, we directed the mayor, fire service, police and the district administration to make arrangements for shifting of the examination centre. Later, the candidates were taken by boat to the five-storey building of the school for the examination.”
The Education Minister, after consulting district commissioners across the country, reported no disaster-related problems elsewhere.
He remarked that the incident took place entirely at Cumilla Government Women’s College. Clothes were brought from home for the girl whose clothes got wet. She was allowed to take the exam one hour later and was given extended time for the exam.