Bangladesh education boards have begun a process to take action against institutions where no student passed this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. Results published on Monday showed 226 zero-pass institutions under the Madrasah Education Board, 57 across nine general boards and 29 under the Technical Education Board. The number rose by 178 from the previous year. Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon said action would be taken against the institutions.

Boards are initially issuing show-cause notices to the authorities concerned. Madrasah Education Board Chairman Professor Khondkar Mohammad Sadekur Rahman said the zero-pass madrasahs had already received notices and would be called to the board in groups over five days. Their explanations would be heard before recommendations are sent to the Education Ministry or the Madrasah Directorate, as the board lacks authority to impose punishment directly.

Dhaka Education Board Chairman Professor Syed Akhtaruzzaman said reports and measures would follow institutions’ responses. Institutions are warned to avoid repeating the result, while a third occurrence can lead to punitive measures including cancellation of MPO status. Sylhet and Cumilla boards had no zero-pass schools this year.