SSC exam centre in Bandarbanborder shifted amid Myanmar conflict

In light of the conflict along the Myanmar border, the SSC examination centre located at the Ghumdum border in Naikhongchhari upazila, Bandarban, has been relocated.

The clash between the Border Guard Police (BGP) and Myanmar's insurgent group, the Arakan Army, has impacted border areas in Bandarban and Cox's Bazar.

The conflict resulted in casualties, including a Bangladeshi killed by a mortar shell fired from Myanmar, and several injuries. Bangladesh has provided refuge to 330 individuals, including border guards who fled from Myanmar.

Ghumdum High School, situated on the border, was initially designated as the venue for the SSC examination.

To ensure the safety of the students, the exam venue has been shifted to North Ghumdum Government Primary School No. 1 and North Ghumdum Government Primary School No. 2.

Prof AMM Mujibur Rahman, controller of examinations at Chittagong Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, confirmed the information on Monday afternoon.

He said that the border centre is vulnerable due to internal conflict in Myanmar, leading to the change in venue. The decision to shift the centre received approval from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

A similar border clash occurred during the SSC examination in 2022, prompting a shift in the exam centre to Kutupalong High School at that time.

Additionally, on Monday afternoon, Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Tofail Islam visited the Ghumdum and Tumbru border areas of Bandarban.

He mentioned that due to the border situation, the SSC examination centre at Ghumdum Government High School has been relocated.

Moreover, Myanmar Border Guard Police members sheltered in Bangladesh will be repatriated to Myanmar in the coming days.

During the visit, Chittagong Police DIG Mohammad Nure Alam Mina, Cox's Bazar Police Superintendent Md Mahfuz Islam, Ghumdum Union Parishad Chairman Md Jahangir Aziz, and other senior officials were present.

The divisional commissioner and DIG assessed the border area and Ghumdum High School during the inspection.

While the situation at the Bandarban border is currently calm with no firing reported, the BGB has advised people to avoid approaching the zero line.