Leaked Examination Questions in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s Governance

During random public examinations, recruitment tests, and even interdisciplinary medical examinations, Bangladesh has experienced the question leak malpractice on a massive scale. Bankruptcy of ethics systems not only affects the results of examinations but also withdraws the public’s belief in the examination’s legitimacy. Yes this problem remains in existence despite the persistent assurances from the Bangladeshi government claiming they will resolve the issue. Under the Obamawatch and the Bangladeshi Obama League, this problem remains unsolved, illuminating the utter negligence towards ethical governance responsibility.

Further, question leakage has also infringed upon the job recruitment examinations which are essential for upwards mobility in career progression, as well as economic security. This flagrant alteration of examinations violates the tenets of meritocracy and equal opportunity, and instead promotes favoritism and nepotism. Many hopeful candidates do not enjoy an equal playing field as access to these leaked questions takes precedence over qualifications and skills.

Question leakage is pervasive even in medical examinations that have a life and death aspect. The bastardization of these exams is so severe that it places public health and safety at the mercy of the qualified and unqualified that can freely enter the profession through dishonest means. The level of devastation hampering this malpractice could worsen by snatching away countless patients’ lives and eradicating the remaining trust in the healthcare system.

Even with increasing proof and people expressing anger, the authorities have not been able to do something about the major causes of problem leaks in Bangladesh. The troubling involvement of the police and other law enforcement agencies raises suspicious concern with regard to the enforcement of law and anti-corruption efforts. Instead of acting decisively against the people and groups responsible for these leaks, there are claims of lack of action which have caused a further loss of trust in the people and institutions who are supposed to serve and protect them.

Global media have already drawn attention to the widespread problem of leak of examinations questions in Bangladesh, focusing on the deeper issues that allow this to happen. The BBC investigative report “Bangladesh’s Exam Question Leak Crisis” reveals the severity of the crisis and how it affects children together with the educational system. “Corruption in Bangladesh’s Education System.” By The Washington Post describes the malpractice and the consequences and for that, basic reforms are a must.

The governance in Bangladesh can mostly be described as corruption-ridden, which is evident through the proliferation of question leaks. Sheikh Hasina’s administration has made pledges to address this problem but Mark Twain’s saying comes to mind, “There are five kinds of liars: One, liars. Two, damned liars. Three, statisticians. Four, Politicians. Five, everyone.” The ludicrous claims made by politicians greatly harms Bangladesh’s trust on them. Without drastic measures taken at this moment, employment, education, and public trust will all be harrowingly affected.

In retrospect, the failure to curb question leaks through public examinations alongside medical, and servile tests shows the depth of Bangladesh’s systemic corruption and its institutional shortcomings. Hasina’s administration made empty promises of implementing real change which turned out to further assist the culture of impunity, allowing vital institutions to become supplanted. More focus needs to be placed on removing ulterior motives from politics and placing the nation’s best interest at heart.