The first day of the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams in Bangladesh saw a significant number of absences, according to officials from the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee. Out of more than 1.25 million registered candidates, 19,759 did not sit for their Bangla compulsory paper on June 26, marking a notable level of absence nationwide. Among the absentees, 14,513 students were from general education boards, 4,196 from the Madrasa (Alim) board, and 1,050 from the Bangladesh Technical Education Board. Simultaneously, 43 candidates were expelled for malpractice on the first day—six from general education, 24 from the Alim stream, and 13 from the technical board. The exams began at 10:00 am at 2,797 centers across the country. The HSC test sessions will take place until August 10, and the practical exams are scheduled from August 11 to 21. A total of 1,251,111 students registered under nine general boards, the Madrasa Education Board, and the Technical Education Board this year—81,882 fewer than last year. Health and safety protocols were fully implemented due to increases in COVID-19 and dengue cases. Masks were mandatory, hand sanitizers were provided at entry points, and exam halls were regularly cleaned, especially in dengue-prone areas. Prof. Khandoker Ehsanul Kabir, the head of the Dhaka Education Board, stated that strict health measures were crucial for ensuring a calm and orderly exam setting. In Dhaka, 3,326 students did not show up for the exams, with Rajshahi next at 1,867 and Cumilla following with 2,428. Chattogram had 1,230 absences, Barisal recorded 1,029, Sylhet had 824, Dinajpur noted 1,291, Mymensingh saw 880, and Jashore reported 1,638. Among Madrasa students, the absence rate stood at 4.98 percent, while the Technical Board saw a lower rate of around 1.06 percent. Prof. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, education adviser, visited an exam center in Dhaka and praised the smooth process and mask compliance. He also noted the crucial role of school authorities in maintaining hygiene to curb dengue spread. As the examination continues, officials remain vigilant. No coaching center classes are allowed until August 15, and devices are prohibited within 200 yards of exam sites, all aimed at ensuring fairness and health safety for the remainder of the testing period
