My Journey with the Story of ‘Helicopter Milon’

I still remember the days of my SSC examinations vividly. My examination centre was in Sarankhola Upazila of Bagerhat District. On the day of the Mathematics exam, the sound of a helicopter suddenly echoed across our school field. Moments later, we learned that the then State Minister for Education, ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, had arrived to observe the examination.

By that time, I had already completed answers worth 83 marks. Since that was more than enough to secure an A+, I was not particularly concerned about attempting the remaining 17 marks. Instead, my attention shifted outside the examination hall as I watched the minister. He carried himself with remarkable grace, both in appearance and in the way he walked. His determined efforts to eliminate cheating in public examinations left a lasting impression on me, and they deserve to be remembered.

When he took the oath as the Education Minister in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's cabinet, I recalled that memorable day and shared the story with my students. Even before the formation of the new BNP cabinet, there had been widespread speculation that ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon would be entrusted with the education ministry. People from all walks of life discussed the long-standing challenges facing Bangladesh's education sector and looked forward with great hope to his possible appointment. Those expectations were fulfilled with his inclusion in the cabinet as the country's Education Minister.

The nation hoped that under his leadership, the education system would move in the right direction. Between 2001 and 2006, he served as the State Minister for Education in the BNP government led by then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. During that tenure, he earned nationwide recognition for his uncompromising stance against cheating in public examinations. His anti-cheating drives during the SSC and HSC examinations across the country are still remembered and frequently discussed today.

Following the 13th National Parliament election, social media was flooded with speculation that ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon might once again take charge of the education ministry. Many users humorously posted messages telling students, "Children, it's time to start studying again." One student jokingly wrote, "Bela, are you listening? You should get married now. 'Helicopter Milon' has become the Education Minister. There's no chance I'm passing my exams anymore!"

His journey reminds us of an important truth: people never forget those who dedicate themselves to meaningful work. Years may pass, but their contributions continue to inspire future generations. When I shared my own experience of meeting Ehsanul Haque Milon during my SSC examination with my students, I could see genuine curiosity and admiration in their eyes. I also explained why he came to be popularly known as "Helicopter Milon."

However, he should remember that times have changed. Students today are no longer preoccupied with copying in examinations. Moreover, a single word "Razakar" played a pivotal role in triggering the downfall of a government. Therefore, public figures should speak with caution, especially when addressing students. Many people also did not take his "farm chicken" analogy well. Furthermore, considering the severe flood situation, postponing the examination by just one day would not have caused any significant harm.

Undoubtedly, the education sector of Bangladesh faces many complex challenges that require visionary leadership, firm administration, and sincere reform. We hope that over the next five years, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon will introduce meaningful changes that leave a lasting impact on the country's education system. I hope that he will be such an iconic figure that perhaps one day, my students will become teachers themselves and, in turn, share their stories with their own students not merely as a political figure, but as someone remembered for his contribution to improving education.