Describing public examinations as a test of knowledge, integrity and merit rather than a race for marks, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian on Thursday said examinations should never be viewed as an “unhealthy competition” but as an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned.
“The examination hall has no place for dishonest thinking. Students should write only what they know. That is the culture we want to establish,” he said after visiting the HSC examination centre at Chattogram College on the first day of this year’s examinations.
The DC inspected several examination rooms and expressed satisfaction with the peaceful, disciplined and malpractice-free environment.
Around 79,212 candidates are sitting for this year’s HSC and equivalent examinations at 104 centres across Chattogram. Chattogram College is hosting the largest number of examinees in the district.
DC Zahid said examinations should foster confidence, honesty and academic integrity instead of encouraging unhealthy competition.
“Competition is a natural part of education, but it must be fair and healthy. Students who truly understand their subjects will be able to reflect that knowledge in their answer scripts, and their merit should be assessed accordingly,” he said.
Emphasising the broader role of education, he said today’s examinees would become tomorrow’s nation-builders.
“We want to build a humane, value-based state. The responsibility of building that future will rest with the students taking these examinations today,” he added.
Referring to concerns over examination integrity, the DCsaid the government had attached the highest priority to ensuring free, fair and transparent examinations, leaving no scope for question paper leaks or unnecessary doubts about the process.
He urged students to remain focused on their studies and apply the knowledge they acquire throughout their academic lives.
Responding to a question from reporters, Islam said the common question paper had been introduced to address long-standing concerns that students under some education boards faced comparatively more difficult question papers than others.
He also urged students, guardians and teachers to ensure timely registration so that no candidate is deprived of the opportunity to sit for public examinations due to administrative negligence.
According to Professor Mohammad Mojahidul Islam Chowdhury, principal of Chattogram College and secretary of the examination centre, 3,167 of the 3,202 registered candidates appeared at the centre, while 35 were absent. The examinations were held in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Pathan Md Saiduzzaman was present during the inspection.
