DHAKA : Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today said the results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations will be published on July 20 next.

"This year's secondary examinations were held in a fair and peaceful environment. The examinations were conducted without any question paper leaks or other untoward incidents, which was possible due to the cooperation of all concerned," he said.

The minister said these at a press conference held at the conference room of the Ministry of Education at the Secretariat here today.

Marking four months since assuming office, Dr Milon outlined the ministry's ongoing activities and future plans.

He said the ministry has been working continuously to implement reforms, improve quality and undertake various student-friendly initiatives in the education sector under the government's announced 180-day programme.

Dr. Milon said the scholarship examinations at the primary and secondary levels, which had remained suspended, were completed soon after he took charge.

He added that a long-standing problem had also been resolved under which various private and kindergarten schools were not involved in scholarship examination activities.

Through coordination with all stakeholders, the issue was resolved and the scholarship programme was successfully completed, he said.

Mentioning a new plan to reduce session backlogs, the Education minister said arrangements are being made to hold SSC and HSC examinations immediately after completion of the syllabus.

For the convenience of students, guardians and educational institutions, the schedules of SSC and HSC examinations have been announced before one year in advance, he added.

He also highlighted various ongoing projects aimed at improving the quality of education.

The Education minister said implementation of projects for the development and modernization of the education sector is continuing.

As part of these efforts, a programme to provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training to 120,000 teachers under the National University has been successfully completed. 
The programme was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, he mentioned.

He further said that an "Innovation Idea Showcase" has been organised across the country to encourage innovative educational activities.

The concluding ceremony of the programme will be held on June 28 and 29, he added.

A total of 32 conferences and exhibition activities have been arranged as part of the event, and the Prime Minister is expected to attend, he said.

Highlighting the importance of sports for the physical and mental development of students, Dr Milon said a nationwide football competition for primary school students has been organised since April 4.

The competition, featuring participation from both boys' and girls' categories, will conclude with the final round at the National Stadium on June 20, he said. 

Detailed programmes in this regard will be announced later, he added.

The Education minister said one of the government's key goals in the education sector is to build a joyful and humane education system.

The government is attaching importance to sports, cultural activities, moral education, the practice of family values, students' uniforms and mid-day meals, among other issues.