Question Leak: Even class-I not spared

Question paper for class-I students has surprisingly been leaked in Barguna.

The authorities concerned yesterday had to postpone the final tests on “Paribesh Parichiti” of class-I and “Bangladesh O Biswa Parichay” of class-IV in all 248 primary schools of Barguna Sadar after parents uploaded the leaked question papers on Facebook and asked the district administration to take steps.

The tests were scheduled for December 17, Abdul Majid, Barguna district primary education officer, told The Daily Star, adding that the tests would be held after new questions had been prepared.

On Tuesday, the district administration had to cancel this year's English final test for class-IV for the same reason.

The deputy commissioner of Munshiganj on Tuesday also had to postpone tests for class-II and class-IV at 119 schools after the question papers had been leaked.

This is the first time first graders' question-paper had been leaked in such a way.

Parents in Barguna yesterday were astonished by the development. They said leaking of question papers was nothing new but it was unbelievable that question papers for primary school students were leaked.

Yunus Ali, a teacher of a local primary school, said, “I believe such a thing never happens in any other country.”

Expressing concern and shock, Sultana Kamal, leading human rights activist and executive director of Ain o Salish Kendra, told The Daily Star, “Children, who have not grown up mentally, are being subjected to corrupt process. Nothing could be more frightening than that. These shocking incidents are taking place as we have failed to stop corruption.”

Deputy Commissioner Mokhlesur Rahman of Barguna said they have formed a probe body and asked it to submit the report within seven days.  “After getting the report, we will take necessary action,” he said.

The two-member body is led by Mahbubul Alam, additional deputy commissioner (education).

Barguna Youth Forum yesterday formed a human chain in front of Barguna Press Club protesting the leak and demanded exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.