IELTS results withheld amid probe into 'leak'

The authorities withheld the results of an IELTS test, held on 6 September, which were supposed to be published on 19 September within the standard 13-day period. Candidates were notified by email on Friday that the results would be delayed.
On 8 September, a Daily Sun investigation revealed that IELTS question papers had been leaked, which 
triggered widespread concern and discussion across the country.
Authorities said the results were withheld to ensure fairness, honesty and security of the exam in light of the allegations.
An email from IELTS partners stated that every test result undergoes routine analysis before publication and the 6 September test requires further review. 
According to IELTS test terms and conditions, Clause 5.10 and 5.11, IELTS partners are responsible for maintaining trust in results. They reserve the right to withhold or cancel results if there are concerns about the reliability of the outcome or suspected breaches of testing policies.
According to Cambridge English Malpractice procedure, during the investigation, candidate, CCTV footage, answer sheet analysis and identity documents will be examined. Candidates can submit statements within a set timeframe.
Those who participated through the British Council have been asked to contact their test centres with date-related proof. IDP candidates must send documents to the Investigation team through [email protected].

On September 6, Banani police arrested Md Mamun Khan and Panna Poonam Hawlader, alias Keya, from a hotel in the capital for allegedly leaking IELTS question papers and answer sheets, following tips received from the Daily Sun.
About the issue, British Council, in a statement, said, “We take any allegations of corruption and malpractice within IELTS very seriously. IELTS has a 35-year track record in maintaining high levels of test security. It has robust systems to protect the integrity of the test and the interests of genuine test takers. The British Council and the IELTS partners are committed to safeguarding the integrity of the test, to ensure the highest confidence in the accuracy of results. We would welcome any evidence in connection with these allegations so that we may investigate further.”
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman warned that if the leak was proven, local IELTS centres could be cancelled, holding both British Council and IDP accountable.
He added that while leaks in local exams were common, an IELTS paper leak was shocking and suggests internal complicity, even reflecting on Cambridge English.