4 held for allegedly using impersonators in recruitment exams

Four newly recruited candidates for the post of Office Support Staff at Bangladesh's Ministry of Public Administration have been arrested on charges of examination fraud after authorities discovered that other individuals had allegedly sat for their written and viva recruitment exams.

A case was filed against the four suspects at Shahbagh Police Station on Sunday (July 19).

The arrested individuals have been identified as Md. Abdul Alim of Tangail, Ali Haider of Sirajganj, Russel Rana Liton of Kurigram, and Masud Fakir of Gazipur.

According to the case statement, the Ministry had advertised vacancies for the posts of Stenographer-cum-Computer Operator and Office Support Staff. A total of 23,709 candidates applied for the Office Support Staff position, while 9,318 appeared in the written examination held on May 19. Following the written test, 107 candidates were shortlisted for viva examinations, which were conducted on June 24, 25, and 28.
The Ministry said photographs of all candidates were taken and stored during the examinations along with their admit cards. On July 6, 20 candidates were finally selected for appointment.

When the successful candidates arrived at the Ministry on Sunday to complete their joining formalities, officials noticed that the appearance of four individuals did not match the photographs taken during the viva examination. The discrepancy prompted further verification.

During questioning, the four allegedly admitted that other people had appeared on their behalf in both the written and viva examinations.

After confirming the alleged fraud, Ministry officials handed the suspects over to police.

Mansur Hossain, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Public Administration, said legal action had been initiated after the allegations of impersonation and recruitment fraud were confirmed.