The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations-2025 began across the country Thursday amid growing concerns over rising Covid-19 and dengue infections.
The exams began at 10:00 am with Bangla First Paper for general education boards and Quran Mazid for madrasa board students.
Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar said that the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations are being conducted fairly and smoothly across the country.
"The examinations are being held in a fair manner," he told reporters after visiting the Vashantek Government College examination centre in the capital on Thursday.
Dr. Abrar said the government has taken measures to prevent question paper leaks and ensure a copy-free examination environment.
"So far, no such issues have been reported," he added.
He also assured that there is no reason for concern regarding the ongoing dengue and coronavirus outbreaks.
"All examinees are wearing masks and maintaining safe distances," he said, noting that pre-exam cleanliness drives were conducted nationwide to help prevent the spread of dengue.
"We are well-prepared to tackle both dengue and COVID-19. There is nothing to worry about," the adviser said.
Addressing concerns over question paper leaks, Dr. Abrar acknowledged that the threat still exists, as it has in previous years.
However, he assured that strict monitoring is in place.
"We were vigilant during the SSC examinations and remain equally active now. No unscrupulous group will be allowed to leak questions. Anyone involved in spreading rumours will face legal action," he warned.
This year a total of 12,51,111 students are participating under 11 education boards, including 618,015 male and 633,096 female candidates.
The exams are being held at 2,797 centres across the country, while 293 candidates are sitting for the exams from eight centres abroad.
Students from a total of 9,314 educational institutions are taking part in the exams this year.
The written exams under general education boards will continue until August 10, while the madrasha board will conclude on August 12. Practical exams under general boards are scheduled from August 11 to 24, and madrasa board practical exams will be held between August 13 and 21.
For the Technical Education Board, theoretical exams will end on July 17, with practical tests scheduled from July 18 to 24.
To ensure a smooth and safe examination environment, the Ministry of Education has ordered all coaching centers across the country to remain closed until August 15.
With a noticeable surge in Covid-19 and dengue infections in recent weeks, authorities have introduced special health guidelines to curb the risk of outbreaks during the exams.
The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, in a circular issued on June 16, made mask-wearing mandatory for all candidates, guardians, and officials entering the exam centers. Hand sanitizers must be available at entrances, and the areas surrounding exam centers are to be kept clean to prevent mosquito breeding.
The directive also instructed that mosquito repellents be sprayed inside the centers before exams commence, and seating arrangements be made following health and safety protocols.
Each exam center is required to have a fully functional medical team and maintain regular contact with local Civil Surgeons or Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers.
Local administrations have been asked to run awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with health guidelines and to discourage crowds of guardians near exam venues.
