A platoon of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at the Nilkhet intersection in the capital as a precautionary measure following Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees' announcement of a 'Long March to the Education Ministry' programme.
More than 50 police personnel were also seen stationed at the Science Lab intersection when the area was visited at around 12:00pm on Wednesday.
Despite the ongoing student protests, the HSC and equivalent examinations are being held in 59 districts across the country on Wednesday. Students have called for demonstrations in Dhaka and other parts of the country after the examinations.
In Dhaka, students plan to gather at several locations before marching to the Education Ministry. They announced that they would assemble in front of the BNS Centre in Uttara, as well as at Shahbagh, Science Lab and Moghbazar, before beginning the march.
Law enforcement agencies have remained on alert in anticipation of the programme.
On July 13, the HSC and equivalent examinations were held across the country, except in five districts of Chattogram Division, despite adverse weather conditions. In many areas, examinees were seen wading through waist-deep water to reach their examination centres.
Meanwhile, a video of a phone conversation allegedly involving the education minister circulated on social media, with claims that he referred to examinees as "farm chickens." The remark sparked widespread criticism. Controversy also erupted over errors in the Physics First Paper question, further fuelling students' anger.
The students initially launched a movement with an eight-point demand, which was later narrowed to three key demands: suspension of the HSC examinations until conditions become conducive, full marks for the erroneous Physics question, and a public apology from the education minister.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday night, the minister apologised and announced that the Physics First Paper, Accounting First Paper and Logic First Paper examinations held on Monday would be retaken.
However, the announcement failed to calm the protesters. Students remain firm in their demand for the education minister's resignation and have announced fresh protest programmes.
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