Protests erupted as over 300,000 candidates affected 

The Department of Youth Development has rescheduled its recruitment examination for Assistant Upazila Youth Development Officer to October 16 after suspending Saturday's test over allegations that the question paper was leaked on social media hours before the examination.

The examination, originally scheduled for 11:00am, was halted at around 10:45am after candidates had entered their examination halls and received Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. The new test time is 3:00pm on October 16, according to the authorities.

The sudden cancellation triggered protests by jobseekers, who blocked several major roads and intersections in Dhaka, including Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, Manik Mia Avenue, Mirpur and Shahbagh. They demanded an investigation, punishment for those responsible and compensation for their financial losses.

More than 300,000 candidates from across the country were expected to compete for 242 positions in the 11th-grade recruitment.

DM Atikur Rahman, director (administration) and joint secretary of the department, confirmed the suspension to the media.

A female candidate said she learned of the cancellation immediately after entering the examination hall, questioning who would take responsibility for the disruption.

Another candidate said applicants had spent around Tk 1,000 each on preparation and travel. Protesters said the cancellation had caused financial and mental distress, particularly for unemployed candidates who had travelled long distances.

The demonstrators also demanded the arrest of those involved in the alleged leak. At noon, a group of agitated candidates went to the office of the department's director general in Motijheel but expressed frustration after failing to find the official there.

Shakibur Rahman, assistant commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Motijheel Zone, said 20 to 30 candidates had gathered outside the office. Police remained alert and spoke with the protesters to maintain law and order, he added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has formed a five-member investigation committee, headed by an additional secretary, to investigate the incident.

The committee has been asked to record statements from recruitment committee members and officials and staff involved in setting, printing and distributing the question papers, as well as relevant internal and external personnel. It must submit its report to the ministry within three working days.