Key highlights:
- According to the Bangladesh government, the first recorded question paper leak in public exams dates back to 1979 during SSC exams
- From 1979 to 2017, a staggering 82 question papers for various job exams and public tests, including the BCS, were leaked.
- The Bangladesh Public Examination Act of 1992 specifies that individuals caught leaking question papers can be sentenced to a maximum of 4 years in prison.
Question leaks, from Junior School Certificate(JSC) to Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), and most recently in Bangladesh Civil Service(BCS) exams, have sadly become frequent in Bangladesh. This issue extends beyond government job exams to university and medical tests.
The BCS exams, renowned for their competitiveness and gateway to prestigious roles, are notably affected. These leaks severely compromise the selection process, favoring those with leaked questions over merit-based candidates.
You can also read: How Did Removing the Female Quota Impact BCS Gender Balance?
According to the Bangladesh government, the first recorded question paper leak in public exams dates back to 1979 during SSC exams. However, incidents have risen sharply since 2014. That year, all public exam papers were compromised. In the 2014 HSC exams, the English paper for Dhaka Board was rescheduled due to leaks.
Recently, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) made arrests linked to question paper leaks, apprehending 17 individuals involved in leaking questions for Bangladesh Railway’s deputy assistant engineer recruitment test on July 5th. These arrests highlight ongoing efforts to combat this issue plaguing educational and recruitment systems in Bangladesh.
The Dark Market of Leaked BCS Papers
According to a report, Abed Ali, a driver for the Public Service Commission (PSC), who was recently arrested by law enforcement for allegedly leaking question papers was suspended for leaking question papers of the examination of a non-cadre service in 2014. Despite a departmental case being filed against him, it remains unresolved to date.
Over the past 16 years, more than 300 similar cases have been filed in various courts, yet only 70 of these cases have been resolved, leaving the majority pending. The report highlights that question papers for 30 cadre and non-cadre examinations, including the BCS, were involved in the racket, which allegedly profited around Tk 2 crore from leaking these papers.
From 1979 to 2017, a staggering 82 question papers for various job exams and public tests, including the BCS, were leaked. In a notable incident, the PSC had to cancel the 24th BCS preliminary test in 2003 due to widespread concerns over leaked question papers.
Similarly, during the 33rd BCS written test, allegations surfaced that question papers had been leaked and were allegedly being sold for Tk5,00,000 per set.
Timeline of Medical Exam Paper Leaks in Bangladesh
In 2020, the CID disclosed that from 2013 to 2018, over 4,000 students gained admission to medical and dental colleges through leaked exam papers. Consequently, the CID arrested 12 members of a question leak syndicate.
According to reports, this syndicate had leaked medical entry exam papers at least 10 times between 2001 and 2017. Instances of question paper leaks were recorded in 2001, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2012, and 2013 for medical admission tests, with significant incidents noted in 2006 and 2015.
Additionally, the CID identified 10 coaching centers, primarily located in Dhaka, involved in these activities, uncovering 100 medical students, many of whom have since qualified as doctors.
Educators Caught in Bank Exam Scandal
In 2021, a national daily reported the leak of question papers for 1,511 officer (cash) positions across 5 state-owned banks. Subsequent investigations revealed the involvement of 16 individuals, including BUET teachers, encompassing bank officers, technicians, and support staff.
This network operated as a chain, impacting 116,427 job applicants. Despite initial participation, the recruitment process was ultimately canceled.
Leaked Question Papers in State-Owned Banks
In 2021:
- Positions Affected: 1,511 officer (cash) positions
- Banks Involved: 5 state-owned banks
- Persons Involved: 16 individuals, including BUET teachers
- Roles: Bank officers, technicians, support staff
- Impact: 116,427 job applicants affected
- Outcome: The recruitment process canceled
How Exam Fraud Corrodes Public Trust?
The intense competition for public service jobs and admission to public universities in Bangladesh exerts immense pressure on candidates. The allure of job security, social prestige, and financial stability motivates many aspirants to resort to unfair means, fueling a black market for leaked exam papers.
This persistent demand guarantees a steady supply of such materials, perpetuating a cycle of corruption and dishonesty.
But, the aftermath of a question paper leak erodes trust in the examination system, undermining morale and deterring qualified individuals. This loss of trust can lead to a long-term decline in public administration quality, with roles potentially filled by those lacking competencies and ethics.
Furthermore, occupying governmental positions through dishonest means fosters inefficiency, corruption, and poor governance, compromising the foundational principles of integrity and merit in public service. This impacts governance and national development, as policymaking, implementation, and public welfare suffer when entrusted to unqualified individuals.
What Does the Act say?
The Bangladesh Public Examination Act of 1992 specifies that individuals caught leaking question papers can be sentenced to a maximum of 4 years in prison.
This amendment replaced the Public Examination Act of 1980, which had set a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for the same offense.
A Multi-Pronged Needed to Approach Exam Security
In our country, question paper leaks pose dual challenges: occurring days before exams and sometimes just hours prior.
A robust solution lies in enacting a ‘Prevention of Question Paper Leakage Act ‘ with stringent enforcement. This would necessitate implementing rigorous preventive measures and closely monitoring exam centers.
The government has consulted extensively with educators and intellectuals, though temporary internet and social media bans during exams have proven ineffective.
Despite ICT advancements facilitating rapid leaks, experts advocate leveraging technology to prevent them. One effective strategy involves a centralized exam server.
30-minute pre-exam, questions securely transmitted to tablets or computers at each center—akin to successful medical admission tests. Alternatively, questions can be emailed to centers for printing, enhancing security, and reducing costs versus current methods.
Moreover, securing Bangladesh Government Press, treasury sites, and exam centers storing papers is crucial. Law enforcement must ensure facility oversight to curb unauthorized access and maintain integrity.
Implementing these measures promises to curb paper leaks effectively, safeguarding the integrity of our education system.
The scourge of question paper leaks in Bangladesh is not just a breach of security; it’s a theft of dreams, a mockery of merit, and a cancer-eating away at the nation’s future. From classrooms to government offices, this epidemic of dishonesty threatens to undermine the very foundations of education and public service.
The time has come to reclaim the sanctity of exams, restore faith in the system, and pave the way for a future where success is earned, not bought. Only then can Bangladesh truly harness the power of its greatest resource – the talent and integrity of its people.
On this note, it is appreciated that the government has started taking stern actions against the question paper leaking criminals hiding at all levels to restore the trust among participants and protect their career dreams.
