The declining number of male applicants for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and related exams has alarmed Bangladesh's prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. She stressed the need to comprehend the elements influencing this trend and instructed chiefs of school boards to look into the reason for this reduction. 

After learning the test results summary on Sunday, the prime minister expressed her concerns in her address. Additionally, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has been instructed to look at this issue more thoroughly while conducting surveys.

Addressing the issue, Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the significant rise in the enrollment rate and emphasized the importance of education, particularly for girls. She noted that while the enrollment rate for girls has substantially increased, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of male students participating in the exams.

Pointing out that girls have been excelling in many fields in terms of pass rates, Prime Minister Hasina stressed the need to address the decline in male participation. She underscored the importance of equal opportunities for both genders and urged authorities to identify the reasons behind the decrease in male candidates.

Prime Minister Hasina instructed education authorities to investigate various factors contributing to this decline, including potential issues such as teenage gang culture. She emphasized the government's commitment to providing free books, scholarships, and educational opportunities from primary to higher education levels.

Encouraging students who passed the exams, Prime Minister Hasina offered words of encouragement to those who did not succeed, urging them not to be disheartened. She advised parents to support their children and focus on identifying areas for improvement rather than criticizing them.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Hasina reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring that every child has access to education and urged stakeholders to work together to address challenges and promote inclusive education across the country.