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DHAKA, July 14, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Adviser and his Office's Spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin today said all Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examination centres across the country, except those under the Chattogram Education Board, remain fully suitable for holding examinations following reviews conducted with relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

"Protecting the interests of students is the current government's highest priority," he said.

In a post on his verified Facebook page tonight, the Prime Minister's Adviser elaborated on the government's position and various measures regarding the ongoing HSC and equivalent examinations amid the prevailing weather conditions.

Mahdi Amin said the Ministry of Education has given utmost importance to the concerns expressed by students, guardians and well-wishers over the adverse weather affecting the ongoing examinations nationwide.

He said the decision to continue the examinations was taken after considering opinions from divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), chairmen of education boards, teachers and guardians across the country.

"Although heavy rainfall caused temporary waterlogging in some areas, the overall situation has improved significantly," he added.

The adviser said ensuring a safe environment for students is the responsibility of the state as a government elected by the people.

At the same time, he said, it is equally important to complete the examinations on schedule in recognition of the students' long-term academic preparation and mental readiness while ensuring they do not suffer unnecessary hardship.

He said a total of 1,270,583 candidates are taking part in the ongoing HSC and equivalent examinations at 2,697 centres across the country.

Examinations under the flood-affected Chattogram Education Board in the five districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari have already been postponed until July 16 in view of the prevailing situation, he added.

Announcing an important decision, Mahdi Amin said any student from other parts of the country who was unable to sit for an examination due to adverse weather would be allowed to take the missed examination on the same day as the postponed examinations under the Chattogram Board.

He also said candidates would receive full marks for the errors identified in two questions of the Physics First Paper examination, describing the decision as a reflection of the government's student-friendly policy.

Referring to directives issued to the field administration, he said local authorities have been empowered to take decisions, depending on local conditions, including changing examination centres, postponing examinations or extending examination time in areas affected by transport disruptions or waterlogging.

Referring to yesterday's incident at Cumilla Government Women's College examination centre, he said only one of the 193 centres under the Cumilla Education Board was affected, where 987 examinees faced temporary difficulties due to sudden waterlogging.

The district administration, police and city corporation jointly decided to delay the examination by one hour to ensure candidates received the full examination time, while boats and other arrangements were made to facilitate their participation.

Although the incident at the single centre was unfortunate, examinations at the remaining 192 centres under the board were held smoothly, he added.

The adviser condemned attempts to undermine the entire examination system by circulating images and videos from only a handful of centres while the vast majority of students across the country were able to sit for the examinations without disruption.

He said attempts to gain political advantage by using false and old photos and videos run contrary to public aspirations, adding that students are aware of such efforts.

Calling on students to have confidence in their abilities and potential, Mahdi Amin said, "HSC examinees are the architects of tomorrow's Bangladesh. The Prime Minister is always committed to creating opportunities for the younger generation. Therefore, students should put aside all uncertainty and anxiety and focus on their studies to achieve the best possible results."

The Prime Minister's Adviser also urged all patriotic and student-friendly citizens to play their part in maintaining an environment where students remain free from panic and retain their confidence.