Helicopter watch returns: Milon vows ‘zero tolerance’ against exam cheating

As the country prepares for the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations, Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has announced a strict “zero tolerance” policy against cheating, promising surprise inspections of exam centres across the country – much like he did two decades ago.

In a move that has already sparked discussion in education circles, the minister said he plans to travel by helicopter from district to district to monitor exam centres, reviving a strategy that once made him widely known during his earlier tenure in government.

He made the remarks on Saturday, March 14, evening while speaking with journalists at his official residence on Minto Road in the capital. The interaction was organised by the Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB).

Back to the “old style”

The minister said strong and visible action is necessary to prevent cheating during the national public examination.

“I have to stop cheating – there is no alternative. I will have to go the old way, travelling by helicopter. CCTV cameras will be installed at centres, and along with officials and the media, we will move from district to district,” he said.

The minister recalled that during his previous tenure as state minister for education in 2001 under the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, he had launched similar surprise inspections, flying to exam centres and catching students involved in cheating in person.

Those dramatic raids had drawn widespread attention at the time and were credited with significantly reducing exam irregularities.

“I had stopped cheating when I was the state minister. I do not want that culture to return,” he said.

Focus on vulnerable centres

The education ministry is now preparing for the SSC examinations with heightened monitoring measures. Authorities plan to ensure that the exams are conducted fairly, smoothly and free from malpractice.

According to the minister, madrasas and technical institutions often face a higher risk of cheating, and these centres will receive special attention during inspections.

“There is usually more cheating in madrasas and technical education institutions. We will keep a closer watch there,” he said.

To dismantle cheating syndicates, the ministry also plans to ensure transparency in selecting invigilators and exam centres, he added.

A call to students

Alongside the tough stance against irregularities, the minister also urged SSC candidates and other students to focus on their studies and prepare sincerely for the exams.

Education observers say the return of the helicopter inspections signals the government’s intention to send a strong message that exam malpractice will not be tolerated.

The discussion meeting was attended by ERAB President Faruk Hossain, General Secretary Solaiman Salman and other members of the organisation.