Zero tolerance on SSC question leaks, warns Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister’s adviser on education and related sectors, Mahdi Amin, has said the government is pursuing a ‘zero tolerance’ policy in the distribution of question papers for the ongoing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.

He also urged all concerned to remain vigilant against misinformation.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the adviser—who holds responsibilities equivalent to a state minister across the education, primary and mass education, expatriates’ welfare and labour sectors—said stringent measures have been put in place to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.

He said social media platforms are being monitored round the clock to curb rumours, while cyber surveillance and digital tracking systems have been strengthened. “Any group attempting to carry out malicious activities through digital platforms will be swiftly identified and brought to justice,” he said.

Mahdi Amin also urged students to refrain from engaging in dishonest practices in pursuit of better results, stressing that such behaviour runs counter to the government’s efforts to promote ethical and meaningful education.

He said four members of a fraud ring have recently been arrested by the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police for allegedly deceiving SSC candidates by selling fake question papers. At a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre, officials said the group attempted to undermine a fair examination system through illegal financial transactions and by spreading rumours of question leaks, causing anxiety among students and guardians.

Citing the Dhaka Education Board, the adviser said an unscrupulous network has been spreading false claims of question leaks on social media to create panic and erode public confidence. He urged students, guardians and the public to remain cautious about such misleading information.

Referring to a report aired by a private television channel, Mahdi Amin said subsequent analysis showed there had been no genuine question leak, but rather a planned act of fraud. He added that, despite various global challenges, the government’s visible progress and initiatives within a short period have drawn widespread appreciation, prompting certain quarters to spread disinformation.

He explained that fraudsters typically lure victims with attractive offers, delay delivery on pretexts such as “technical issues”, and ultimately disappear after collecting money. In some cases, they upload fake questions in advance and later replace them with actual questions after the examination begins, falsely claiming prior access.

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The adviser also noted that the television channel later withdrew its report, citing inaccuracies and reaffirming its commitment to factual journalism.

Mahdi Amin said several fact-checking platforms have confirmed the incident to be a coordinated scam rather than a genuine question leak. He stressed that authorities are making all-out efforts to ensure maximum security of question papers and prevent any breach, despite technological challenges.

Calling for greater awareness, he urged the public not to rely on unverified information and to ensure that criticism remains evidence-based and responsible.

He also alleged that the country’s education system had been undermined during what he described as a 16-year period of authoritarian rule, citing the erosion of teachers’ dignity, distortion of history in textbooks and the prioritisation of political loyalty over merit.

Highlighting ongoing reforms, Mahdi Amin said the government has already begun implementing its commitments, focusing on developing a skilled workforce and introducing competency-based education.

“Our goal is to ensure quality education and build a merit-based, inclusive Bangladesh,” he said.