Strict action will be taken against whoever spreads rumours of SSC question papers being leaked or tries to harm the students by leaking question papers, Education Minister Dipu Moni said Sunday.

The minister said, "There is no chance of leaking the question paper again. However, if there is an attempt to spread rumours, which there will be - no one should pay any heed to it.”

She made the remarks while inspecting the exam centre of Motijheel Government Boys’ High School on the first day of the SSC examinations.

The education minister told reporters that arrangements have been made to take the test in compliance with health safety.

“The problem is that there are big crowds outside where the parents are standing. Maybe they are not following the hygiene rules there. We have requested before, I request again, wherever you are outside, do not crowd or gather,” Dipu Moni requested.

Read: SSC, HSC exams either in Nov or Dec next: Education Minister

Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director General Professor Dr Syed Golam Faruk and chairman of the Dhaka Education Board and chairman of the Inter-Education Board Coordination Subcommittee Nehal Ahmed, among others, were present on the occasion.

After nine months, the much-awaited Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and its equivalent examinations began on Sunday.

This year, a total of 22,43,254 candidates are taking part under all the education boards (11 boards). Of which 10,36,188 are male students and 12,07,066 are female students.

Some 3,679 centers have been set up for the exams across the country.

Besides, 429 students are taking part in the examinations from abroad.