The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and its equivalent examinations scheduled for February 22 and 24 have been shifted to February 28 and March 6 due to the BNP-led 20-party alliance's 72-hour hartal from Sunday.  

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid made the announcement at an emergency press conference held at his residence in the capital on Saturday.

The February 28 examination will begin around 10am and March 6's exam around 9am.

Nahid said "We rescheduled the examinations considering the security of the students."

The minister expect that the next examinations will be held as per the schedule.

On Friday, the BNP led 20-party alliance called countrywide another 72-hour hartal from 6am Sunday demanding national election under non-party administration, restoration of democracy and release of its leaders and protesting the government's repressive acts.

TF