Editorial

BCS question paper leaked again?

Let there be a scooping investigation
It was like a deja vu reading the headlines in almost all the national dailies on Saturday. Only six months ago, leakage of question paper for the preliminary test of Bangladesh Civil Service got as much coverage; in fact the allegation was so strong that the Public Service Commission had to cancel test. Though this time, there has not been any such announcement as yet, the allegations made by some of the examinees and the circumstances in which those were made can hardly be shrugged off. Something must have gone wrong in the system, otherwise why are we witnessing the same ailment one time too many?

The authority has been quoted as saying that the news of the leakage was a hoax. But some of the examinees have vouched that almost 60 per cent of the questions matched with leaked paper. In addition, four people have been arrested on charges of photocopying and leaking the question paper. On the earlier occasion too, the authority had denied the allegations in unequivocal terms but had to eat the humble pie after the government instructed them to cancel the test. What has been exposed is that sufficient precaution was not taken despite the first instance of leakage which reflects rather badly on the PSC administration.

The BCS examinations are important as tests for recruitment to the Republic's cadre services. Merit ranking is pivotal to the selection process. It cannot be compromised under any circumstances. Where has the sanctity of the examination gone? Something seems structurally wrong in setting question papers and keeping them in safe custody. Not just the sellers or the photocopiers, we want the real culprits identified and punished after a thorough investigation.