Dhaka, June 25 -- Bangladesh's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations begin today (Thursday), with over 1.25 million students set to take part across the country under strict health guidelines due to rising COVID-19 and dengue risks.

A total of 1,251,111 candidates are expected to sit for the exams under nine general education boards, the Madrasah Education Board, and the Technical Education Board, bdnews24.com reports.

The written exams under general and madrasa boards will continue until Aug 10, while practical exams are scheduled from Aug 11 to 28. Under the Technical Board, theoretical exams will end on Jul 17, with practicals slated from Jul 18 to 24.

The number of examinees under the general education boar...