Jubo Dal Leader Held Over Exam Disruption

Police in northern Bangladesh have arrested a local Jubo Dal leader following allegations that a group of activists attempted to seize recruitment examination papers during a staff appointment test at a college in Haripur Upazila of Thakurgaon District.

The incident reportedly caused a major disruption to the examination process and created a tense situation at the venue, prompting authorities to file a criminal case against several individuals, including a senior local political leader.

According to officials, the recruitment examination was held on Friday at the office of the Upazila Executive Officer. The test had been organised to appoint fourth grade employees for Medinisagar Technical and BM College. Candidates from different areas gathered at the administrative office to sit for the examination under official supervision.

During the examination, a group of individuals allegedly entered the premises and began creating disorder. Witnesses said the group attempted to forcibly take away answer scripts and related examination documents. The sudden disturbance caused panic among candidates and officials and temporarily halted the examination process.

Authorities later reported that the group was allegedly led by local political activists who had arrived at the venue during the ongoing examination. Their actions created a volatile atmosphere at the centre and disrupted the recruitment process, raising concerns about fairness and security.

Following the incident, the college authorities informed the local administration, prompting police to begin an investigation. A formal complaint was filed at Haripur Police Station. The case names nine individuals as accused and includes an additional thirty five to forty unidentified suspects believed to have been involved in the disturbance.

On Saturday evening, police conducted an operation in the Jadurani Bazaar area of Haripur Upazila and arrested Shariful Islam Sharif, the office secretary of the local unit of Jubo Dal, the youth wing associated with a major opposition political party. Police believe he played a role in the attempted seizure of examination materials.

A police official confirmed that the arrest was made on the basis of preliminary findings from the investigation. Authorities added that further efforts are under way to identify and detain the remaining suspects linked to the incident.

Officials stressed that interference with public recruitment examinations is a serious offence as it threatens transparency and fairness in the hiring process.

Local administrative authorities have indicated that additional security arrangements may be introduced for future recruitment examinations in the area to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Key Facts of the Incident

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests may follow as authorities continue to gather evidence regarding the disruption of the recruitment examination.