Authorities have imposed Section 144 around Dhaka City College and all other examination centers to maintain order and prevent cheating during the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. The restriction, visible on banners at the Dhaka City College center on Thursday morning, prohibits gatherings of more than five people, rallies, or loudspeaker use within 200 yards of the centers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily during the exams. Law enforcement agencies are maintaining strict surveillance to ensure a secure and fair environment for examinees.

The 2026 HSC and equivalent exams began nationwide on Thursday morning under all general education boards with a unified question paper. Written tests will continue until August 8, followed by practical exams by August 15. For the first time in the country’s history, the exams are being conducted under CCTV monitoring. A total of 1,270,583 students from 9,439 institutions are participating across 2,697 centers, 145 of which have been marked as vulnerable, including 40 in Dhaka.

Education officials stated that all preparations have been completed to prevent question leaks and ensure transparency. If any irregularities occur, the affected day’s exam will be postponed and rescheduled nationwide.