In a first, DU entry test held in all divisional cities

The admission test for Dhaka University's undergraduate courses began today at 11:00am in all eight divisions for the first time, to reduce the hassle of spending time and money by students and their guardians.

"The exams are going on in a calm manner and there was no news of any untoward incident," Dhaka University Proctor AKM Golam Rabbani said after visiting the exam venues at DU campus.

"We have contacted the vice chancellors of the respective universities in different divisions. They told us that the test is going on smoothly. The students are following the health rules," said DU Vice Chancellor Prof Akhtaruzzaman in a press briefing today.

Mahfuza Rahman an engineer from Mirpur area who brought her sister to attend the test said, "As the admission test is taking place in all eight divisions at the same, there is less traffic on the road and we came to the exam venue earlier than expected and without facing any hassle."

Admission test for the honour's program of Dhaka University is also taking place at Khulna University sub-centre.

"We are fully prepared to conduct the test smoothly. The examinees are taking the test in accordance with the proper health rules," Khulna University School of Fine Arts Dean (in charge) and sub-centre focal person Professor Monirul Islam told the Daily Star.

Huge number of crowds was seen outside the exam venues, reports our Khulna correspondent.

Meanwhile a total of 14,000 students are attending the admission test in 12 academic buildings of Rajshahi University.

"There is no complaint about the admission test and we are working in coordination with law enforcers," said RU Vice Chancellor Golam Shabbir Sattar.

Barishal University Vice Chancellor Professor Md Sadequl Arefin visited the exam halls today as admission seekers for DU appear for the 'Ka' unit exams in Barishal, reports our Barishal Photo Journalist Titu Das.

In Mymensingh, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Vice Chancellor Prof Lutful Hassan along with delegation from DU visited the examination centre during the admission test, reports our Mymensingh correspondent.

The universities outside Dhaka where exams are taking place are: Chittagong University, Rajshahi University, Khulna University, Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet, Barishal University, and Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur.

The exams will continue till 12:30pm in eight public universities of the eight divisions.

The exam for the "Ka" unit is being held today, followed by "Kha" unit tomorrow, "Ga" unit on October 22, and "Gha" unit on October 23. The exam for "Cha" unit will take place on October 9.

A total of 3,24,340 students have applied for the test against the total 7,148 seats under five units.

Of them, the highest 1,64,606 students will take the entry tests in Dhaka while the lowest 7,091 will sit for the tests in Sylhet.

"We have decided to hold the tests in eight divisional cities to reduce the hassle of spending time and money by the students and their guardians," DU Vice Chancellor Prof Akhtaruzzaman said at a press conference on the campus yesterday.