"I Want to Say Something to You": Education Minister's Message to Failed SSC Students

Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milan has extended a message of encouragement to students who did not pass this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations, while urging parents to remain a steadfast source of shelter and support for their children.

The minister shared the message aimed at students, parents, and teachers through a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday.

Addressing the students who were unsuccessful, the Education Minister said, "To those who could not pass this year's SSC exam, I want to say something to you today. I know today is a day of deep pain and disappointment for you. Watching your friends celebrate, facing the silence at home, and dealing with your own inner discomfort it might feel like everything has come to a stop."

"Nothing has stopped," he reassured them, emphasizing that exam scores do not define an individual's identity. "Today's result is not your identity. It is merely a record of what you wrote on paper during those specific hours on that specific day. Your hard work and your dreams cannot be measured by a number."

Acknowledging the emotional burden placed on the students, Dr. Ehsanul Hoque Milan noted that curiosity from neighbors, comparisons from relatives, and disregard from peers could lead to deep distress.

Turning to parents, the minister advised them to offer compassion rather than criticism. "Right now, your child is probably most afraid to look you in the face. At this moment, instead of harsh words, neglect, or scolding, what they need most is warmth and affectionate words. Make your home a place of shelter for them, not a courtroom."

He also urged teachers to pay special attention to students who fell behind and to help identify the reasons for their setback. "Pay special attention to the students who did not pass. It is our responsibility to find out why they lagged behind. The blame for failure does not rest on the child alone; it belongs to us as well," the minister added.