Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today apologised for his earlier remarks and said the Physics First Paper, Accounting First Paper and Logic First Paper tests of the ongoing HSC exams, held on Monday, may be retaken.

The minister made the announcement in the parliament as HSC examinees demonstrated in Dhaka, Savar, Barishal, Cumilla, Narayanganj, Jashore, Bogura, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Tangail, demanding his resignation over the decision to continue board examinations despite persistent rain and waterlogging.

Explaining the government's position, he said heavy rainfall had disrupted Monday's examinations and prevented many students from properly sitting for the tests.

"Complaints have been raised about this. Although we were observing the situation, students have still made demands regarding the exam. Already, due to flooding, we have suspended exams in every district under the Chittagong Board, and we can retake the exams held on Monday," he said.

The minister added that when the education board conducts the exams with another set of question papers, a retake of Monday's exams can also be arranged.

Responding to criticism over his personal remarks, the education minister said, "I did not intend to target anyone. If anyone has been hurt, I sincerely apologise."