Non-MPO teachers urge HSC candidates to return to studies

The Combined Non-MPO Unity Council on Tuesday urged Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidates to return to their studies while expressing concern over the ongoing protests surrounding the examinations.

In a statement, the organisation alleged that vested quarters were attempting to exploit the government's decision to hold the HSC examinations despite adverse weather conditions to create unrest and pursue political objectives.

It claimed that both domestic and foreign interests were trying to destabilise the country's education system.

The council said the education minister had been working to restore order to what it described as a "nearly devastated" education system despite numerous challenges.

It acknowledged that mistakes could occur during the reform process and said the minister had already admitted an unintended error during Sunday's examinations. However, it alleged that the continued protests indicated a broader conspiracy.

According to the statement, the minister's recent initiatives to reform the education sector and improve academic standards had made him a target of what it described as "hegemonic and reactionary forces". It also alleged that vested interests had instigated the protests taking place in different parts of the country.

Referring to practices under the previous Awami League government, the organisation claimed that automatic promotions, excessive marking and other measures had weakened academic standards. It argued that efforts to reverse such practices were likely to face resistance from those who had benefited from them.

The council expressed its support for the education minister, saying his leadership was essential to rebuilding the country's education system. It added that he had faced criticism from students for taking action against cheating and from teachers for introducing greater accountability, but maintained that such reforms were necessary.

The organisation urged the government to remain vigilant against any attempts to use students for political purposes and said it was confident the authorities would handle the situation prudently.

It also called on the government to prioritise students' interests in all decisions and urged HSC candidates to return to their studies, noting that they still faced important academic challenges ahead.

The statement was signed by Principal Md Selim Mia, Principal Md Dabirul Islam, Principal Nazmus Shahadat Azadi and Principal Md Monimul Haque on behalf of the Combined Non-MPO Unity Council.