Police promise security during SSC exams if held on schedule

Police have promised parents of those taking forthcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations of fool-proof security if the blockade continues and government goes ahead with the exams on schedule.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque told reporters on Saturday -- two days before the exams are to start -- that all necessary security measures will be taken at exam centres and to cover transport carrying students.

Around 1.5 million students are going to take the tests this year.

Amid its transport blockade marked by violence, BNP has called a 72-hour shutdown across Bangladesh from Sunday, increasing the worries of the students and their guardians.

Hoque said police needed people’s help for providing security to examinees.

Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque (File Photo)

He also urged the political parties to refrain from enforcing shutdowns and blockade during the tests.

“I urge as a citizen and as a father, to withdraw shutdowns and blockades during the tests considering the safety of the students, who are the future of the country,” the IGP said.

He said the covert attacks during the blockade and shutdowns were not political but terrorist actions.

In the wake of the political unrest, the education ministry is set to decide on Sunday whether the tests will be held as per schedule.

A Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official said it would intensify patrolling to ensure safe transportation of the examinees.

The force would guard the centres as welly, he added.