Serious controversy has erupted over allegations of question paper leakage and large-scale recruitment irregularities in the recruitment examination for the post of Assistant Upazila Youth Development Officer at the Department of Youth Development. An investigative report by Shirshonews.com and the weekly Shirshokagoj claims that recruitment-related bribery involving at least Tk 700 million took place in connection with 242 vacant posts. The allegations have raised serious questions about the transparency of the recruitment process, the impartiality of the investigation, and the roles of the officials concerned.

The recruitment examination was suspended at the last moment on October 10, shortly before it was scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m., following allegations that the question paper had been leaked. The decision sparked anger and frustration among jobseekers who had travelled to Dhaka from different parts of the country. Protests erupted at several examination centres in the capital, and demonstrators also blocked roads.

Allegations of Tk 700 Million in Bribery for 242 Posts
According to the investigative report, candidates were allegedly asked to pay up to Tk 2.5 million each in exchange for assurances of securing the Assistant Upazila Youth Development Officer position. In some cases, intermediaries or brokers reportedly demanded between Tk 3 million and Tk 3.5 million per candidate. If substantiated, these allegations would point to large-scale financial irregularities in the recruitment process.

The report claims that at least Tk 700 million was involved in the alleged recruitment racket for the 242 posts, citing sources familiar with the matter. However, independent verification of the alleged transactions, examination of financial records, and statements from the individuals concerned are essential to establish the facts. An impartial investigation is necessary to determine whether the allegations are true.

Meanwhile, approximately 319,000 jobseekers from across the country had travelled to Dhaka to sit for the examination. Preparations had been made to conduct the test at 95 examination centres across the capital. However, allegations emerged that the question paper had circulated on social media before the examination began. In response, the authorities announced over loudspeakers that the examination had been suspended indefinitely.

Later that day, the authorities announced that the postponed examination would be held on Friday, October 16, at 3:00 p.m. However, the decision to retain the existing recruitment committee despite the allegations has raised questions about the appropriateness of proceeding with the examination before the investigation is completed.

How Did the Question Paper Leak Despite Tight Security?
According to the report, the question paper for the October 10 examination was prepared and printed overnight under tight security at the Department of Youth Development's headquarters in Dilkusha, Dhaka. Five members of the recruitment committee and 20 employees of a vendor company identified as OMRDM were reportedly present during the process.

The report states that security measures included restrictions on mobile phones, the confiscation of mobile devices, and the disconnection of internet access. Despite these precautions, serious questions remain about how the question paper allegedly reached the outside world.

Citing eyewitness accounts, the report has raised suspicions about the role of D. M. Atikur Rahman, Director (Administration) of the Department of Youth Development and chairman of the recruitment committee. According to the allegations, he was seen carrying a mobile phone despite the restrictions imposed on others and entered the room where the question paper was prepared and printed several times.

These claims warrant scrutiny, but they should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence. His response to the allegations and the findings of an independent investigation are necessary to determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.

New Examination Arrangements, but the Same Committee
The investigative report has also raised concerns that, instead of another direct leak of the question paper, predetermined candidates could allegedly be favoured through other means, including the manipulation of answer scripts or roll numbers. However, no independently verified evidence supporting these claims has been made public.

According to the report, the venue for preparing and printing the question paper for the October 16 examination has been changed. The process is reportedly scheduled to take place overnight in the conference room of the Ministry of Youth and Sports at the Secretariat.

Despite the change of venue, the recruitment committee has reportedly remained unchanged. This has fuelled concerns about whether the upcoming examination can be conducted fairly and transparently while the allegations against the existing committee remain unresolved.

Calls for the State Minister's Resignation and Questions over the Investigation
Protests have reportedly been held demanding the resignation of State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque over the allegations of recruitment bribery and question paper leakage. Md. Kabir Khan, personal staff officer to the chairman of the National Sports Council, has also been named in the allegations.

The report alleges links between these individuals and D. M. Atikur Rahman. However, the claims require independent investigation, and no conclusion about individual culpability should be drawn without credible evidence.

A five-member investigation committee has been formed to investigate the alleged question paper leak. The committee is headed by Md. Mahfuzul Alam Khan, Additional Secretary of the Administration Wing of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It was instructed to submit its report within three working days. According to the report, the committee had not submitted its findings by the time the article was prepared.

Jobseekers are now calling for an impartial investigation, legal action against anyone found responsible, and a transparent recruitment process. Publishing the investigation's findings, hearing the responses of all individuals concerned, and properly addressing the allegations are essential to restoring public confidence.

Unless these concerns are addressed credibly, the controversy could further undermine the confidence of hundreds of thousands of jobseekers in the fairness and integrity of public sector recruitment in Bangladesh.