News Watch (12-01-2018)

PM addresses nation today

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the nation today (Friday), marking the completion of her government's four years in office after the January-5, 2014 national election. The PM's speech will simultaneously be broadcast by Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar as well as private TV channels and radio stations in the evening, said an official at the Prime Minister's Press Wing on Thursday. Earlier, on Wednesday, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor said the Prime Minister would address the nation anytime from 7pm to 7:30pm. While addressing a press briefing at his ministry, the minister said a cultural event will also be arranged at the Army Stadium in the evening. The Prime Minister's address will be projected on a big screen. On January 12, 2014, the Awami League government took office for the 2nd consecutive term with an overwhelming victory in the last general election held on January 5, 2014. — UNB

SSC exams under BOU begin today

GAZIPUR, Jan 11: This year's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations under Bangladesh Open University (BOU) will begin across the country on Friday. Some 100,896 students -- 62,223 males and 38,673 females -- will appear in the examinations from first year and second year in 361 centres. The examinations will be held in two shifts on Fridays and Saturdays only and end on March 2. Steps have been taken to hold the examinations in a fair manner. — UNB