Anisa, a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinee from Dhaka Education Board Laboratory School and College, who missed her first exam due to her mother's illness, was allowed to sit for her Bangla second paper on Sunday following public outcry and assurances from the education ministry.

She appeared for the exam at the Government Bangla College centre in Dhaka’s Mirpur area. 

Centre officials said the exam began at 10:00 am.

Md Hafizur Rahman, acting centre secretary of Government Bangla College, confirmed that Anisa arrived at the centre shortly after 9:00 am.

Kamrul Hasan, a professor at the college, said she entered the exam hall before 9:30 am without facing any obstacles.

Members of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP, assisted her entry. 

Md Mokhlesur Rahman, convener of the Bangla College unit of Chhatra Dal, said they helped Anisa around 9:05 am and ensured a smooth process during the exam.

He added that JCD had set up a help camp at the college premises from 8:00 am to assist candidates and their guardians, providing seating arrangements, drinking water and saline.

“We are trying to support students and guardians so that no one faces any difficulties,” Mokhlesur said.

Anisa had missed her Bangla first paper exam on June 26 after arriving at her exam centre nearly 90 minutes late, as she was caring for her ailing mother. 

A video of her in tears outside the centre quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread calls for a compassionate response.

In response, the Ministry of Education assured that the matter would be handled with empathy.

On Saturday, the principal of Dhaka Education Board Laboratory School and College, Md Asaduzzaman, confirmed that Anisa would be allowed to continue sitting for the remaining examinations.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Anisa’s mother said: “My daughter is taking her exam today. Please pray for her so she can finish well.”

MN/SMS