Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Saturday said the government would not be distracted from its responsibilities by trolling or criticism, asserting that its priority is to ensure quality education for the nation.
"Those who trolled me are not examinees. We did not see students from institutions like City College, Ideal College or Viqarunnisa taking part in the movement. A group of people tried to create havoc by misleading others," he said.
"Whatever the trolling or criticism, no one will be able to divert us from our responsibilities.
He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of academic activities at Naogaon University as the chief guest at the Naogaon Sadar Upazila Auditorium.
Earlier, he unveiled the nameplate of the university's temporary campus in the city's Barunkandi area.
Referring to his previous tenure as state minister for education during the 2001-2006 BNP-led government, Milon said he had then served under former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and is now serving under Tarique Rahman.
"How can anyone think I would be instructed to tolerate wrongdoing? Certainly not. Everyone should remain committed to their duties. We must continue education and improve its quality," he said.
Explaining the recent decision to delay the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination by one hour in Cumilla due to waterlogging, the minister said the step had been taken on humanitarian grounds in the interest of examinees.
He also urged the media to act responsibly in preventing the spread of rumours about question paper leaks and criticised misleading campaigns on social media regarding the examination system.
"Without examinations, it is not possible to properly assess merit or award certificates," he said.
Describing Naogaon University's journey as a new opportunity for higher education, the minister said academic activities had begun with 80 students and that initiatives would be taken to shift the university to its permanent campus as soon as possible.
He also stressed the need to establish an international-standard School of Agriculture at the university to meet local demands.
The programme was chaired by Naogaon University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Hasanath Ali.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, UGC member Prof Dr Abdullah Al Mamun, Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Faridul Islam, National University Vice-Chancellor Dr ASM Amanullah, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director Prof Dr Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, lawmakers from Naogaon-2, Naogaon-3, Naogaon-4, Naogaon-5 and Naogaon-6 constituencies, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tarikul Islam, among others, attended the event.