Seventeen Arrested in Rajshahi-Nageshwari Exam Scam

In a significant crackdown on examination malpractice, police in Nageshwari, Kurigram, and Rajshahi have arrested a total of 17 individuals for involvement in a sophisticated question paper leakage and proxy test-taking operation during the Primary School Teacher Recruitment Examination. The arrests have highlighted the organised nature of the scam, involving both political figures and professional syndicates, and raised concerns about the integrity of national recruitment processes.

On Friday afternoon, law enforcement officers raided a residence near an examination centre in Nageshwari town and apprehended 11 individuals, including Minarul Islam, the joint convenor of the BNP in Bamandanga Union, who is reportedly a prospective candidate in the upcoming union parishad elections. Authorities say the suspects were preparing to provide exam answers using advanced digital devices. One of the detained individuals was also a proxy candidate, intending to sit the examination on behalf of another.

Other individuals arrested in Nageshwari include:

• Abdul Latif (Ramkhana Union, Nakhar Ganj)
• Shahjamal (Khamar Nokula)
• Babu Islam (Kazipara)
• Jannatun Naim (Bagdanga)
• Arifuzzaman Siddiqi (Boalbhir, Fulbari)
• Himel Mahmud (Banskhali, Shibchar, Madaripur)
• Chameli Akhtar (Tekrahat, Rajair Thana)
• Belal Hossain (Arajikomorpur)
• Anear Hossain (Chardamal)

According to OC Abdullah Hil Jaman, the initial raid, based on a confidential tip-off, led to the detention of six suspects, with five more taken into custody later, bringing the total to 11. Seized items included digital devices, copies of question papers and answer sheets, and other materials used to facilitate cheating.

Meanwhile, the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) arrested six members of a syndicate allegedly involved in question paper leaks. Separate operations were conducted late Thursday night at Malopara Community Bank’s ATM booth and in front of Srishti School in the sub-town area. The detainees are:

• Md. Al Mamun (Niamatpur, Nawganj)
• Mahbub Alam (Mohonpur, Rajshahi)
• Anjuara Khatun (Nawganj)
• Zulfikar Ali (Nawganj Sadar)
• Md. Noyon Ali (Atrai)
• Raihan Kabir (Manda)

Deputy Commissioner of Media at RMP, Gaziur Rahman, stated that investigators recovered multiple pieces of evidence, including signed blank stamps, blank bank cheques, examination entry passes, photocopies of national identity cards, and seven mobile phones. These items point to a highly organised system designed to manipulate examination outcomes and financially profit from corruption.

Summary of Arrests and Evidence :

Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings are underway, with further investigations expected to identify additional accomplices. The incident has sparked renewed concern over examination security and the measures in place to prevent political and organised interference in public recruitment exams.