Bangladesh youth development recruitment exam suspended over leak allegations

The Department of Youth Development has suspended the recruitment examination for the position of Assistant Upazila Youth Development Officer following allegations of a question paper leak. The exam, which was intended for 242 positions with approximately 319,000 applicants, was halted just as candidates were arriving at 95 centers across Dhaka.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has formed a five-member high-level investigation committee led by Additional Secretary Mahfuzul Alam Khan. The committee is tasked with identifying those involved in the leak and investigating potential negligence in the printing and distribution processes. A report is expected within three working days.

The suspension triggered widespread protests by job seekers in Dhaka, who blocked roads and demanded the resignation of the Department's Director General. Political organizations, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), have called for exemplary punishment for the perpetrators and compensation for candidates who incurred travel and accommodation expenses. A rescheduled examination is tentatively planned for October 16.