Bangladesh Cancels 2024 Higher Secondary Exams Amid Protests

Bangladesh announced the cancellation of all higher secondary school and equivalent exams for 2024, following widespread protests by students in Dhaka, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

The decision came just hours after hundreds stormed the Secretariat, demanding the cancellation of remaining exams and a new results process. Tapan Kumar Sarkar, head of the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, confirmed the cancellation at a press conference, marking the first time in the nation’s history that such public examinations were halted mid-schedule.

Approximately 1.4 million students were affected, as the exams faced multiple postponements due to ongoing civil unrest and damage to exam materials. Originally set to begin on August 11, the exams were rescheduled for September 11 but faced backlash from students who rejected plans to alter the exam format. Under mounting pressure, authorities ultimately decided to cancel all exams entirely, leaving students awaiting further information on the results process.