Education Adviser Professor Dr. C R Abrar has said that students received the marks they genuinely earned in this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. However, he also expressed sympathy for those who did not achieve their expected results.
He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Ministry of Education in Dhaka on Thursday.
The adviser stated that from now on, students will receive marks strictly based on their written performance. “No one will be given extra marks, nor will anyone’s marks be reduced unfairly,” he said.
He emphasized that accurate evaluation should be the core objective of all education boards. “Results are not just statistics; they represent the hopes, efforts, and future of families and students,” he added.
Congratulating those who achieved good results, Dr. Abrar also expressed compassion for students whose results fell short of expectations. He acknowledged that the overall outcome of this year’s HSC and equivalent exams had surprised many, as both the pass rate and the number of GPA-5 achievers had declined compared to previous years.
“The reason is neither complex nor comfortable,” he noted. “The fundamental weakness in our education system begins at the primary level and accumulates over the years. We have long ignored this reality. We have built a culture where numbers have become the truth—where pass rates symbolize success and GPA-5 counts define satisfaction.”
Dr. Abrar remarked that in the pursuit of showcasing ‘better’ results, the nation had unintentionally concealed the real learning crisis. “It is time to change that culture,” he said. “Our education system must again reflect reality.”
He further stated that all education boards have been instructed to maintain the highest standards of fairness, especially for students on the borderline during evaluation. “We must ensure that the reality of results is not distorted,” he added.
“We have chosen integrity over comfort—honest marks instead of inflated satisfaction,” Dr. Abrar said. “If we do not have the courage to face reality, we will be unjust to our talented and future generations.”
The adviser also revealed that each education board has been asked to prepare an independent review report on its evaluation process. Additionally, a panel of experts, including academics, researchers, and policymakers, has been formed to analyze data and identify key learning gaps.
He announced that the Ministry of Education will convene a National Education Consultation next week, involving teachers, students, parents, board officials, university representatives, and technology sector participants.
Regarding teachers’ ongoing demands, Dr. Abrar mentioned that the government is currently considering a 5 percent increase (minimum Tk 2,000) in house rent allowances, aligned with financial realities, while their request for a 20 percent rise remains under review.
He expressed optimism that recommendations from the upcoming pay commission will lead to a more respectable pay structure next year.
Dr. Abrar concluded by saying that the government respects the teachers’ demands for a percentage-based housing allowance and that the issue is being seriously evaluated.
