Some trying to fish in troubled waters: Home Minister

Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday alleged that certain groups were attempting to exploit the ongoing protests over the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations by using students to pursue their own agenda.

Speaking to reporters at the Home Ministry conference room at the Secretariat, he said a section was trying to “fish in troubled waters” and embarrass the government while concealing its identity behind the student movement.

Responding to a question on the demonstrations, the minister said many of those participating in the protests were not HSC examinees.

“The Ministry of Education has already clarified its position regarding the examinations. The actual examinees are satisfied with the government’s explanation, and the issue has been resolved,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the government was not attaching much importance to the protests, as the number of demonstrators was relatively small.

He also said that during the previous interim government’s tenure, an “undesirable culture” had emerged in which groups entered the Secretariat to press demands, seek postponement of examinations or even demand promotion without sitting for exams. “That tendency still persists,” he said.

The minister reiterated that the government would not allow the quality of education to be compromised and remained committed to conducting examinations in a fair, cheating-free environment.

He added that the government aims to restore the quality of education and build a knowledge-based, technology-driven and globally competitive nation.