39,000 male students registered as 'female' in Barishal Board

In a significant error, 39,000 male students have been listed as 'female' in registration forms for the 2025 HSC examinations under the Barishal Education Board. An investigation committee formed over the incident has found negligence on the part of the board's analyst, S M Shahiduzzaman.

The investigation report, along with recommendations for punishment of the accused, was submitted to Board Chairman Dr Yunus Ali Siddiqui on Tuesday.

Confirming the matter, Dr Yunus Ali Siddiqui said the error occurred due to carelessness of the computer program operator and settings. The concerned operator has been issued a show-cause notice, and action will be taken against those responsible based on the investigation report.

He further informed that when representatives from concerned colleges visit the board, registrations are being corrected and reprints are being provided. The technical glitch has been quickly resolved, and there are no further complications regarding this matter now.

According to sources in the examination control division, a total of 69,000 students registered for the HSC examinations under Barishal Board this year. Among them, 30,000 are female and 39,000 are male students. However, with all male students listed as 'female' in registration forms, 100 per cent of examinees were marked as female on paper.

The error was first detected during distribution of registration forms to students in Jhalakathi. Subsequent investigation revealed the same error in registration forms of all male students under the board.

Dr Liakat Hossain, principal of Barishal Government Alekanda College, said the error could have been easily caught if board authorities had verified the forms after printing. He also commented that students have been mentally affected by this incident.

Mohsin Ul Islam, principal and convener of the Divisional Teachers-Employees Unity Front, said providing incorrect cards to students is an extremely sensitive matter. The issue should have been treated with greater seriousness.

Examination Controller Md Shahidul Islam said all registration forms are being reprinted with new settings. Several thousand corrected copies have already been printed, and the remaining copies will be supplied within the next three to four days.

A board official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the board had its own printer for printing registration forms. However, it became inoperative during the Covid-19 pandemic. For the past three to four years, instead of procuring a new printer, registration forms have been printed by going to Dhaka, with the board bearing the travel and incidental expenses.