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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police in Bangladesh has identified seven syndicates involved in leaking exam papers for various recruitment exams over the past 24 years, including for the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) and non-cadre positions. Notably, this list includes a former member of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and even police officers.
These syndicates were not only leaking papers but also tutoring candidates by renting spaces for secret coaching. The CID has arrested 22 members of these syndicates, with seven of them confessing in court. The confessions have revealed the names of 35 individuals involved, including former PSC members and a police officer.
Among those who confessed are former PSC driver Syed Abed Ali, office assistant Sajedul Islam, Despas rider Md. Khalilur Rahman, Zahidul Islam, and water filter businessman Sakhawat Hossain. They admitted to leaking papers for nine recruitment exams from 2000 to 2024, involving a former PSC member and an assistant director.
The leaked exams included BCS, non-cadre Bangladesh Railway's sub-assistant engineer, Thana assistant education officer, Palli Sanchay Bank auditor, assistant revenue officer of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), sub-assistant engineer of the housing and public works department, junior instructor of polytechnic institutes, and senior staff nurse of the health department.
On July 8, the CID arrested PSC driver Abed Ali, two assistant directors, and 14 others. Later, five more individuals were arrested. This scandal drew widespread attention when it was revealed that Abed Ali, who had become wealthy through these activities, was behind the leaks.
The CID continues to investigate the case, and the involved individuals may face legal actions. A PSC internal investigation committee has found no evidence of paper leaks, but experts argue that the responsibility of preventing such leaks lies with honest and competent officials.
The scandal underscores the need for vigilance and strict measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to ensure the integrity of recruitment exams in Bangladesh.
