A probe body, formed to investigate the allegations of question paper leaks in a recruitment test for assistant primary school teachers, found evidence suggesting that papers were leaked in at least 17 districts.
Based on the findings, the ministry of primary and mass education cancelled the tests held in those districts yesterday. SM Ashraful Islam, additional secretary of the ministry, said candidates of those districts would have to sit the exam again.
The districts are Dhaka, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Netrokona, Sherpur, Lalmonirhat, Narayanganj, Cox’s Bazar, Satkhira, Pabna, Jhenaidah, Rajbari, Meherpur, Khulna, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj.
Sources said the test was held on 8 November at 1,362 centres across the country. Approximately 968,127 contenders took the exam, competing for the 7,000 posts available.
The allegations of a leak arose soon after the exam, from candidates who challenged its credibility. They said question papers were leaked the night before the exam.
The ministry ruled out the allegation initially but later, on 12 November, formed a committee to look into the matter.
