27,000 SSC Examinees Absent Despite Form Submission: The Surprising Reasons

Staff Reporter

The SSC and equivalent examinations have begun. On the first day, April 10, 26,928 students under 11 education boards were absent despite completing form submissions. Additionally, 22 students were expelled for malpractice.

The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee provided this information.

Professor Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir, Chairman of the Dhaka Secondary and Higher Education Board and head of the committee, stated that 1,928,970 candidates are appearing this year, a decrease of nearly 100,000 from last year’s 2,024,192 candidates.

Of the 1,727,778 regular candidates this year, 26,928 were absent on the first day. The highest absentee rate was reported under the Madrasa Education Board with 9,623 absentees. Other absentee figures include 3,496 under Dhaka, 1,622 in Rajshahi, 2,553 in Cumilla, 1,800 in Jashore, 1,173 in Chattogram, 878 in Sylhet, 1,033 in Barishal, 1,341 in Dinajpur, 842 in Mymensingh, and 2,567 under the Technical Education Board.

Regarding expulsions, 10 students were expelled under the general education boards, 10 under the Madrasa Board, and two under the Technical Board.

In Feni, a madrasa invigilator was sentenced to two years in prison and fined by a mobile court for supplying answers to a student.

Last year, 19,359 candidates were absent on the first day of the exams. This year, the number has increased significantly.

Reasons for Absence

Discussions with teachers and observations at various centers revealed multiple reasons for the absences. Many students, despite registering, chose not to appear due to a lack of preparation. Rumors of stricter exam conditions and lower pass rates created fear among students.

According to teachers and guardians, a significant portion of students has recently become detached from studies due to social and political distractions. Issues such as involvement in local gang culture, political activism, and quick money-making opportunities through emerging political groups have led to poor academic preparation for many.