Edu minister announces minimum 5-yr jail term for question paper leaks

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has announced that the government is amending existing laws to impose a minimum five-year prison sentence for leaking question papers.

He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at a discussion meeting held at Dinajpur Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Dinajpur. 

The meeting was organized ahead of the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations, bringing together chief exam coordinators from eight districts under Dinajpur Education Board and madrasa and technical education boards in Rangpur region.

The minister said the existing 1980 Act will be modified and placed in parliament to strengthen legal action against question paper leaks. 

He emphasized that question paper leaks must be stopped completely.

He also warned about cybercrime related to exam papers, saying that authorities are monitoring those involved and collecting contact information to track offenders. 

He added that cybercrime specialists, including experts based abroad, are being engaged to identify those responsible.

The minister further stated that if everyone involved acts responsibly, question papers cannot be leaked, but monitoring systems and digital tools are being used to detect irregularities.

He also said the amended law will include organized groups involved in question paper leaks under its scope.

Highlighting broader reforms, he added that improving the education environment would encourage more talented students to join the teaching profession in the future.

The meeting was chaired by Dinajpur Education Board Chairman Professor Touhidul Islam. Special guests included Whip of Parliament Akhtaruzzaman Mia, lawmakers Syed Jahangir Alam and Md Sadique Reaz, among others.

Senior officials including Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner (DC), Superintendent of Police, education board officials and representatives from various districts and education boards were also present.

SH