Proxy Exam Attempt Ends in Jail Term

A mobile court in the Uzirpur upazila of Barishal has sentenced a 19-year-old man to one year of rigorous imprisonment for attempting to sit for an SSC examination on behalf of another candidate, in a case that has sparked widespread concern among local education officials and exam authorities.

The accused, Md. Tafsir Islam, son of Liakat Sikder from Hatisunda area under Bamrail Union, was detained after he appeared suspicious during the ongoing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination at Dhamura Secondary School examination centre on Tuesday, 28 April.

According to officials, Tafsir Islam entered the examination hall posing as another registered candidate. Examination invigilators grew doubtful about his identity during routine checks. Following verification procedures, his impersonation was confirmed, leading to his immediate detention at the centre.

A mobile court, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Maheswar Mondol, conducted on-the-spot proceedings. Acting under the Public Examinations (Offences) Act, 1980 (as amended in 1989), the court sentenced him to one year of rigorous imprisonment without labour and imposed a fine of 100 Bangladeshi taka.

Authorities stated that the swift legal action was necessary to uphold the integrity of public examinations and deter similar fraudulent practices.

Executive Magistrate Maheswar Mondol emphasised that public examinations are a crucial national assessment system and any form of malpractice, including impersonation, would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He further added that strict monitoring and legal measures would continue throughout the examination period to ensure a fair and transparent environment for all candidates.

The incident has triggered discussion among education stakeholders in the area, highlighting ongoing challenges related to examination malpractice, despite increased vigilance and monitoring at exam centres across the country.

Case Summary

Officials have reiterated that surveillance at examination centres will remain strict and coordinated efforts will continue to prevent impersonation, question paper leakage, and other forms of malpractice during national examinations.