Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Education, Primary and Mass Education, has said that cyber surveillance and digital tracking measures have been strengthened under a “zero tolerance” policy in the distribution of question papers for the ongoing SSC examinations. He also emphasized the need for vigilance against misinformation. In addition, a warning notice issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the ministry stated that recent reports circulating on various social media platforms and news portals regarding the leak of the Bangla First Paper (subject code 101) have no factual basis. The Bangla First Paper examination held on April 21 and the Bangla Second Paper on April 23 have already been completed smoothly across the country.
Alongside this notice, on Sunday morning, April 26, the Adviser—who holds the rank of State Minister in charge of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment—published a detailed post on his Facebook account.
In the post, Mahdi Amin stated that the government is strictly following a “zero tolerance” policy in question paper distribution. Continuous monitoring of social media is being carried out to prevent the spread of rumors. Cyber surveillance and digital tracking systems have been further strengthened to counter misinformation. He warned that any group attempting to engage in unlawful activities using digital platforms will be identified immediately and brought under the law, Insha Allah. He also urged students not to engage in dishonest practices in pursuit of better results, noting that the government is fostering a culture of “joyful learning,” which stands in complete opposition to such fraudulent behavior.
Referring to recent actions, the Adviser said that four members of a fraudulent syndicate have already been arrested. The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit apprehended them over the past few days for deceiving SSC examinees by offering fake question papers in exchange for money. At a press conference held yesterday at the DMP Media Center, it was stated that the arrested individuals attempted to disrupt a transparent and fair examination system for illegal financial gain. They also spread rumors of question leaks to create chaos, frustration, anxiety, and moral panic among students and guardians.
Mahdi Amin further said that the Dhaka Education Board has clearly stated that a dishonest group is spreading false information about question leaks on social media in an attempt to create confusion, fear, and moral degradation among students and parents. The group is trying to disrupt the ongoing examination process for illegal financial gain and to damage the government’s image. The board has urged students, guardians, and the general public to remain cautious about misleading and false information regarding question leaks.
He added that an analysis of a report aired by a television channel on the alleged question leak clearly indicates that it was not a genuine leak but rather a well-planned fraud. Despite various global challenges, the government’s visible progress and positive initiatives within just two months have been widely appreciated. In this context, certain groups are attempting to spread misinformation and disinformation to create confusion, which he described as unfortunate.
Citing a candidate’s account in the report, he noted that fraudsters made excuses such as “technical issues” and promised to provide questions later at night, but ultimately failed to deliver. The following day, they falsely claimed that the questions had already been provided. This clearly indicates that they had no actual capability to supply question papers.
Mahdi Amin explained that the syndicate initially collects money through attractive advertisements, then delays delivery, and eventually disappears by shutting down their groups. Another tactic involves collecting the actual question paper after the exam begins and presenting it as if it had been leaked earlier, thereby misleading students into believing in their credibility.
He further noted that the group replaces previously uploaded fake question images with the actual questions after the exam begins, so that they can later claim their leaked questions were accurate. He added that such tactics had been used since the period of fascist rule to create instability, but the law enforcement agencies of the current elected government remain vigilant.
The Adviser also mentioned that the private television channel withdrew its report due to a lack of credible evidence. The channel stated: “Due to certain errors and shortcomings in the report on SSC question leaks circulated digitally, it has been withdrawn prior to the board’s formal protest. We remain committed to delivering accurate and objective news to our viewers and readers.”
However, Mahdi Amin noted that misleading narratives had already spread widely on social media. Various fact-checking platforms have also confirmed that this was not a question leak but a planned fraud. Despite technological challenges, authorities are making all-out efforts to ensure the highest level of security for question papers so that no leaks occur. He stressed that collective cooperation and responsible behavior from all stakeholders are essential to ensure the success of these efforts.
He also urged the public not to pay heed to propaganda and to remain cautious. “Nothing should be believed without verification, and criticism must be information-based and responsible,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to reforming the education sector and expects all citizens to contribute to nation-building from their respective positions.
Referring to the past, Mahdi Amin claimed that during 16 years of fascist rule, the country’s education system had been severely damaged. He alleged that teachers’ dignity and status were undermined, distorted history was included in textbooks, controversial content was introduced, and political loyalty was prioritized over merit—factors that, in the long term, weakened critical thinking and rationality among the population.
He added that the current government has taken various initiatives to reform the education system, with a primary focus on ensuring quality education. Within just two months, steps have already been taken to fulfill commitments made to the people. Under the Prime Minister’s directive, multiple measures have been implemented to develop skilled human resources and establish a competency-based education system. Through an education framework that fosters the qualities of responsible citizens, he expressed hope that, Insha Allah, a merit-based and inequality-free Bangladesh will be built.
DBTech/FBO/MUIM/OR
