Online Desk 

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations began across Bangladesh on Thursday. The exams are being conducted simultaneously under nine general education boards using a common question paper.

A total of 1,270,583 candidates are sitting for the examinations at 2,697 examination centers nationwide.

For the first time, police officers assigned to examination centers are using body-worn cameras to enhance security. In addition, CCTV cameras have been installed at all examination centers, while the Ministry of Education's monitoring cell is overseeing the examinations through round-the-clock surveillance to prevent cheating and ensure a fair examination environment.

The written examinations under the general and madrasa education boards will conclude on August 8, while practical examinations will continue until August 15.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that a new national curriculum for the primary and secondary levels will be introduced from 2028.