SSC question paper shortage: Question raised over form irregularities at Faridpur school

Allegations of irregularities have surfaced at Brahmankanda Abdul Sharif Academy in Faridpur's Bhanga upazila after a shortage of question papers for 21 SSC examinees during the ongoing examinations.

The issue became widely known on 6 May, sparking strong reactions across the upazila.

Questions have emerged over claims that the students had been hurriedly registered for the exams just days before the tests began.

Locals expressed anger at the school's headmaster and several other teachers for allegedly allowing 21 unqualified students to participate in the examinations.

According to sources, the information of these 21 students was not properly submitted on time, resulting in a shortage of 21 question papers at the examination centre every day since the exams began.

This caused significant difficulties for the hall superintendent and other officials concerned.

Authorities later managed the situation by bringing in additional question papers from the treasury following instructions from the controller of examinations.

Investigations found that the school was originally supposed to have 67 examinees, including 39 regular students and 28 failed candidates.

However, at the last moment, an additional 21 allegedly ineligible and students who do not study in this school were allowed to fill out forms in exchange for large sums of money.

Parents alleged that more than Tk8 lakh was collected through the process.

Of that amount, only Tk2.4 lakh was reportedly deposited into the school fund, while the remaining money was allegedly divided among the headteacher, assistant headteacher, computer teacher and a guardian.

Headteacher Enamul Kabir denied responsibility, claiming that several teachers and a guardian member used his password without permission to complete the process.

"My password was stolen and this was done by some teachers and guardian members. I was threatened with physical harm and forced to include these 21 students," he said.

Assistant Headteacher Golam Kabir, however, said the work was carried out with the approval of the headteacher.

"We shared the money collected as coaching fees among several teachers," he admitted.

Student guardian Sajib Talukdar said he became involved in the process to maintain peace in the area and due to special recommendations.

Local guardians said allowing unqualified students to sit for the exams in exchange for money has damaged the school's reputation.

Community members also expressed concern that corruption and influence within the institution could negatively affect educational standards and pass rates.

Written complaints have already been submitted to the education board and relevant authorities over the matter.

Newly appointed Bhanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan said he has learned about the issue in detail.

"If anyone from the school is found involved in irregularities, strict action will be taken after investigation," he said.