Nine HSC candidates from Sreemangal Residential Model School and College in Moulvibazar faced an acute crisis on Thursday, on the first day of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination after failing to receive their admit cards despite paying fees.
At the Sreemangal Government College examination centre, officials initially stopped them from entering the hall, leaving the students distressed and in tears as they missed the scheduled start of the exam.
After the incident was reported, Sreemangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ziaur Rahman intervened and contacted the Sylhet Education Board. Following his request, the board granted special permission for the students to sit for the examination later in the day.
Authorities said the issue occurred due to administrative negligence in issuing admit cards. College principal Asit Ranjan Pal admitted the problem was not within his immediate knowledge and indicated responsibility lay with staff handling data entry.
The affected students, including Sharmin Akhter, Masuma Akhter, Tania Akhter, Ayesha Akhter Nazmin, Deepa Kahar, Pallabi Thakuria, Srabanti Shil, and one irregular candidate, were later allowed to take the exam with limited extra time. However, they said the delay affected their performance.
The UNO described the incident as unfortunate negligence and assured an investigation along with possible legal action. Guardians have demanded accountability and punishment for those responsible for the disruption.